Jimmy Shergill shares his heart health routine: ‘Those who have God-gifted lean body can…’

Jimmy Shergill spoke to Tata Play Fitness about his heart health routine, emphasizing the importance of a clean diet and daily movement. He recommends walking and running for building stamina and aiding weight loss. Those with a naturally lean body can choose to walk in the morning and evening or take breaks for walking during work, according to Shergill. However, it remains uncertain if walking alone is the key to maintaining good heart health.

Dr. Niranjan Hiremath, a senior consultant cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha, clarifies that walking is an accessible, low-impact exercise suitable for people with preexisting heart conditions, older adults, and beginners. Walking helps improve circulation, endothelial function, and blood pressure regulation.

Regular moderate-intensity walks can also reduce arterial stiffness, lower systolic blood pressure, and enhance overall vascular health. Exposure to natural light during morning walks can further improve sleep quality, which is crucial for cardiovascular wellness. The calming effect of a walk, combined with deep breathing and fresh air, can help manage stress and anxiety, reducing the risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.

When asked about running, Dr. Hiremath notes that it provides a more intense cardiovascular workout. Running strengthens the myocardium, increases stroke volume, and improves cardiac efficiency, leading to better HDL (good cholesterol) levels and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. However, high-intensity exercise, especially for those with hypertension or cardiac arrhythmias, should be approached cautiously as it may cause excessive sympathetic stimulation, affecting sleep and heart rate variability.

Ultimately, the most effective heart health routine varies from person to person. Walking is ideal for steady cardiovascular stimulation, blood pressure management, and stress regulation. Running, on the other hand, builds cardiovascular endurance, improves lipid metabolism, and strengthens myocardial function. Regardless of the chosen activity, the key is consistency. Regular physical activity, tailored to an individual's health status and fitness level, is crucial for long-term cardiovascular well-being.