Affairs of the Heart-The Health Benefits of Physical Exercise

Joseph R. Libonati, PhD, FAHA
Associate Professor
Director Biobehavioral Research Laboratory
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Philadelphia, PA

Background:

Dr. Libonati is an exercise physiologist with both clinical and basic science research experience. He has studied the influence of exercise cardiovascular function in a variety of diseases, including heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and obesity. He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences), is the Chair of the American Heart Association’s Cardiac Biology/Regulation 2 Study Section, and is the Director of the Biobehavioral Research Laboratory at the Penn school of Nursing. Dr. Libonati has appeared on several media outlets (including the Discovery Health channel) covering the health benefits of an active lifestyle.

Overview:

We all know we should exercise more. This show covers what exercise does to the body and the best way to approach to developing a routine that will work for you. Joe has an encouraging approach and will:

• Discuss coronary blood flow
• Discuss how the heart muscle changes its metabolic demands
• Discuss the best exercises for heart health

3 Key Points:

1. Aerobic exercises are the best exercise for heart health. Goal: 150 minutes or more /week
2. Exercise improves muscle strength and allows the heart to pump more efficiently.
3. Exercise is critical to prevention of heart disease and is one of the most important parts of treatment for those who do have heart disease.