Boost Physical Activity - Preventing Stroke: Stroke
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Boost physical activity
Physical inactivity appears to raise the risk of stroke, according to several studies. The cardiovascular benefits of exercise include making blood less likely to clot, controlling weight, lowering blood pressure, and increasing levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
Guidelines from the National Academy of Sciences recommend that you aim to get an hour of moderately intense exercise on most days. Moderate exercise includes walking briskly (at 3–4 miles per hour) or golfing while carrying or pulling clubs. People who have had a stroke or TIA who are capable of exercising should get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on most days to reduce the risk of another stroke. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
| Last updated: | September 05, 2008 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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