What Are the Benefits of a Strong & Healthy Cardiovascular System?

Gyms and parks are packed with people walking and running for their health. Exercise and healthy eating helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system. A strong and healthy cardiovascular system keeps blood flowing freely throughout the body and lowers the risk of high blood pressure or heart attack.

Strong Blood Flow

• A healthy cardiovascular system consists of strong blood vessels that pump blood throughout the body. The average adult has between 5 and 6 liters of blood in his body. This blood must flow freely to transport oxygen and nutrients to all living cells in the body. Blood also carries waste to the proper parts of the body for elimination.

Low Blood Pressure

• A healthy cardiovascular system is vital for maintaining blood pressure levels. Blood pressure is similar to water flowing through a pipe. Blood flow is measured as the heart contracts and relaxes, which is where the two numbers in a blood pressure reading come from. The systolic number measures the blood pressure when the heart contracts, while the diastolic measurement is of the blood flow to the heart when it relaxes. In a healthy cardiovascular system, a typical blood pressure measurement is 120 over 80. High blood pressure readings indicate that oxygen and waste products are not flowing through the blood vessels freely. This can have deadly consequences over time, because blood cannot flow to parts of the body that need it. High blood pressure can result in damage to the kidneys and stroke.

Healthy Heart

• A benefit of a strong cardiovascular system is a healthy heart. The heart's health is vitally important to the function of the entire body. A strong heart pumps blood without problems to the other parts of the body. Muscles receive enough blood and oxygen to function. Likewise, the brain receives its required supply of blood and oxygen to operate. A healthy heart lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.