Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. It is essential to carry out various bodily functions, including making hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids.

However, an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to several health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Men are more likely to have high cholesterol levels than women. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary steps to prevent and manage high cholesterol levels in males. One such step is by performing cardiovascular activity.

What is Cardiovascular Activity?

Cardiovascular activity, also known as aerobic exercise, is a type of physical activity that increases heart rate and breathing rate.

It involves using large groups of muscles to perform rhythmic and continuous movements, such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming. This type of activity is different from strength training, which focuses on building and strengthening muscles.

How does Cardiovascular Activity Affect Cholesterol Levels in Males?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is also called “good cholesterol” because it carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it can be properly processed and eliminated.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also called “bad cholesterol,” carries cholesterol to various parts of the body, where it can build up and lead to plaque formation in the arteries.

Cardiovascular activity has been shown to increase HDL levels in males while decreasing LDL levels. The high HDL levels can help protect against heart disease, while low LDL levels can decrease the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.

Related Article Aerobic conditioning halts the rise of cholesterol in men

Therefore, regular cardiovascular activity can help stall the elevation of cholesterol in males.

How Often Should Males Perform Cardiovascular Activity?

The American Heart Association recommends that individuals engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity per week. This can be achieved by performing 30 minutes of physical activity on five days per week.

Alternatively, individuals can perform 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardiovascular activity per week. These recommendations can be adjusted based on an individual’s specific health status and goals.

What are the Benefits of Cardiovascular Activity on Overall Health?

Performing regular cardiovascular activity has several benefits on overall health, including:.

1. Improved cardiovascular function and heart health. Cardiovascular activity helps improve the strength and function of the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Improved lung function. Cardiovascular activity helps improve lung capacity and function, making it easier to breathe.
3. Weight management. Cardiovascular activity burns calories, helping individuals maintain a healthy weight.
4. Reduced risk of chronic diseases. Cardiovascular activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
5. Improved mood. Cardiovascular activity releases endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

What Are Some Examples of Cardiovascular Activity?

There are several different types of cardiovascular activity that individuals can perform, including:.

1. Walking. Walking is an easy and accessible form of cardiovascular activity that can be performed anywhere.
2. Running. Running is a more intense form of cardiovascular activity that can help individuals burn more calories.
3. Cycling. Cycling is a low-impact form of cardiovascular activity that can be performed indoors or outdoors.
4. Swimming. Swimming is a full-body form of cardiovascular activity that can help individuals build endurance and strength.
5. Interval training. Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity exercise with periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This can help individuals burn more calories and improve overall fitness levels.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is an essential component of the body, but an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to several health complications, including heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular activity has been shown to stall the elevation of cholesterol in males by increasing HDL levels and decreasing LDL levels. Furthermore, performing regular cardiovascular activity has several benefits on overall health, including improved heart health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.