How much exercise for a healthier heart?

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Story Published: May 7, 2008 at 8:18 AM PDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2008 at 8:18 AM PDT

By Associated Press

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If you want a healthy heart, you need to huff and puff.

That means regular strength training and aerobic exercise. But how much?

"The American Heart Association calls for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, walking briskly for 5 days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity such as jogging 3 days a week," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, a medical advisor to Consumer Reports

Avitzur says your heart will also benefit if you calm down.

"Negative emotions, stress, panic, anxiety, they can alter the release of hormone that can threaten your heart health."

So how do we deal with that?

"It is important to try to work on curbing your negative emotions or doing some stress modification, such as yogi or tai chi or meditation in order to help relieve some of these symptoms."

Dr. Avitzur says if you can't shake these types of negative emotions then reaching out to get some professional counseling is advisable.

For More Information:

Ten tips for a health heart

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