We all know being fit reduces your heart attack risk, but does exercise also increase your chances of surviving a heart attack?
Well, according to NHS Choices, exercise also protects the heart from damage in the event of a heart attack. In research with mice, scientists found mice that exercised had higher nitric oxide levels in their bodies. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, increases blood flow and works in conjunction with chemicals to prevent the damaging effects of a heart attack. This research with mice shows exercise could protect the heart against heart attack damage.
Read more: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/05May/Pages/study-uncovers-how-exercise-may-protect-the-heart.aspx
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