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Muscles naturally weaken over time. But people can preserve strength and retain function with regular physical activity, including exercises to build lower-body strength. Four daily exercises are sit‑to‑stands, glute sets, heel raises, and single‑leg stands.
Regular resistance training, with either home-based or gym exercises, improves strength, muscle size, power, endurance, and daily function. New guidelines recommend resistance training with high effort that works all major muscle groups at least twice a week.
Most people with heart conditions can safely play sports if their condition is well managed. Exercise should be reintroduced gradually, and the intensity should be tailored to the individual. Monitoring for warning signs can reduce the risk while preserving the heart health benefits.
The 2026 lipid guidelines explain how people can estimate and lower their risk of a heart attack. They include information about tools and tests, updated targets for LDL (bad) cholesterol, and advice about lifestyle changes and medications.
Third spaces are physical locations outside the home and work where people meet and socialize with other individuals. Add in a fitness component—gyms, exercise classes, walking groups—and the mental and physical health benefits multiply.
Low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, hot flashes, and more may be symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Testing can help determine the diagnosis, and testosterone replacement therapy may help counter the decline in the hormone.
Women have unique risk factors for heart disease, including pregnancy-related complications and a higher rate of autoimmune diseases. Anatomical and other differences also influence how heart disease manifests in women.
After an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation, getting at least 90 minutes of moderate exercise per week may reduce a person’s risk of an afib recurrence, according to a 2026 study.
An enlarged heart has many possible causes, including conditions that force the heart to work harder than usual (such as chronic high blood pressure or heart valve problems) and different types of cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).