For your information, here is a rundown on various terms related to heart disease.

1. Atherosclerosis

   Atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and calcium build up in the arteries, causing plaque to form. This condition can reduce blood flow through the artery.

2. Stroke

   Stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of the oxygen and blood it needs, due to a blood vessel that is clogged or that bursts.

3. Angina

   Angina is pain that occurs when the heart doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs because the artery is partially clogged.

4. Arrhythmia

   Arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart’s normal beating rhythm. It can happen in a healthy heart and isn’t life threatening, other times it can be problematic and lead to heart disease, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.

5. Heart Attack

   Heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart decreases, causing part of the heart muscle tissue to die.

6. Heart Failure

   Heart Failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood as it should. If it is treated properly, people can live with it for years.

7. Cardiovascular Disease

   Cardiovascular Disease encompasses all types of disease or dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels (atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.)

The American Heart Association now recommends strength training for at least 15 minutes twice a week, whether you use dumbbells, a resistance band or your own body weight.” Strength training improves muscular strength and endurance as well as the daily functioning of the heart.” says Barry Franklin, Ph.D., director of the cardiac rehab program and laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oaks, Michigan, and spokesman for the AHA.

Using your body weight:

Tricep Dips

Sit on chair feet touching floor. Place hands at both sides of the body and grasp the edge of the seat. Walk your feet in front of you until your butt is in front of you but not touching the chair. Lower your body toward floor until your arms forms 90 degree angles. Return to starting position. Repeat 8-10 times.

Calf Raises

Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Hold on to chair for support, if necessary. Lift onto balls of feet, then lower. Repeat 8-10 times.

Crunches

Lie with knees bent, feet flat on floor. Place hands behind head or cross arms across chest. Lift torso up a few inches (keep a space between chin and chest,) then lower. Repeat 8-10 times.