Exercise has many benefits, including improving your heart health. But what exactly happens to your heart when you exercise? The truth may surprise you.

During exercise, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your muscles. This increased demand for oxygen and nutrients triggers your heart to beat faster and harder. This can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure, which is normal during exercise.

As you continue to exercise, your heart adapts to the increased demand by becoming stronger and more efficient. Over time, this can lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure, reducing your risk of heart disease.

Exercise also helps to improve the health of your blood vessels. Regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation in your arteries and improve their ability to dilate. This can lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in your arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

But not all exercise is created equal. High-intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest, has been shown to be particularly effective at improving heart health. Studies have found that HIIT can lower blood pressure, increase aerobic capacity, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

So, the next time you hit the gym or go for a run, remember that you’re not just improving your physical fitness, you’re also doing your heart a favor. Regular exercise can help to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease.