Another way of looking at it is that lack of exercise, or a sedentary life-style, is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, just like smoking, a poor lipid profile, high blood pressure, a family history of coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

Most of the population of the United States is sedentary. Sedentary people have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack as active people of the same age when other factors— such as smoking and high cholesterol—are equal. The umber of persons with coronary disease would decline dramatically if sedentary people would become moderately active.

Without physical activity, you will experience a gradual decline in your ability to perform activities that require physical effort. You will lose strength, endurance, and flexibility, and day-today activities will become harder. However, if you remain active, you can maintain or improve your fitness level. A personal exercise program is the best way to make sure that you include adequate physical activity in your daily life.

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