Cardiovascular health is one of the mainstays of maintaining good overall health. Without adequate cardiovascular health, many day-to-day tasks become difficult and prohibitive. One important aspect of maintaining cardiovascular health is engaging in activities that positively stimulate the cardiovascular system. Though most people often hear “cardio” and think “running,” there are many other, less obvious forms of cardiovascular exercise. One that may be of surprise is fishing, which, despite its reputation, does engage the body in ways that improve cardiovascular health. Today, we explore the surprising ways fishing can help improve cardiovascular health and why a cardiovascular specialist may recommend it.

 

Why Should I Worry about Cardiovascular Health?

Cardiovascular health is one of the pillars of good health. Without proper cardiovascular health, an individual may struggle to execute common daily activities. If they reach an especially low point, they may develop debilitating lifelong conditions or die.

Unfortunately, cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure are widespread. Engaging in activities that reduce one’s risk of developing such conditions can help one achieve a healthier quality of life.

 

Does Fishing Help Cardiovascular Health?

Fishing is not often thought of as an aerobic activity, but there are several elements of this recreational sport that can be beneficial to one’s cardiovascular health. Both patients and physicians have noted the following as cardiovascular benefits of fishing :

 

Quietly Aerobic

Although it is not usually thought of as a very strenuous activity, some types of fishing can actually be quite the workout. For example, fly fishers get a workout by repeatedly swinging their rods for a long cast. In addition, big game anglers who catch large fish will often find themselves engaged in a tug-of-war that can amount to a significant amount of exercise.

 

Fresh Air

Fishing often requires one to travel either to the open ocean or remote rivers and streams that lie in vast wildernesses. These places can constitute quite a trek to get to, and oftentimes carry the additional benefit of having air that is cleaner than one’s typical indoor or urban environment. Air pollution can devastate your health in a number of different ways, including via worsening of your cardiovascular health.

 

A Healthy Catch

Another way that fishing can be beneficial for cardiovascular health is that fish are healthy to eat. Many common game fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and other compounds that have been found to be beneficial for heart health. Many of the health benefits of fish are increased when the consumer eats healthy fish that have come from a clean source rather than commercially farmed alternatives.

 

Plenty of Sunshine

Many fishermen are exposed to high amounts of sunlight, which contains high amounts of the compound Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for maintaining optimal health. Many of the body’s systems depend on this compound to maintain normal functioning. Of course, one must address the harmful aspects of excess, unprotected sun exposure and take precautions to protect against UV rays.

 

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Many avid fishermen consider fishing a relaxing activity that calms them down and gives them a sense of fulfillment and well-being. These calming feelings have mental health benefits and positively impact cardiovascular health. Stress, panic, anxiety, and other negative emotions can eat away at one’s heart health and lead to high blood pressure. Engaging in activities that reduce these feelings can help improve one’s overall health.

 

Gets You Out of the House

Many people lead lives that are slowly becoming dominated by indoor activities that encourage a sedentary lifestyle. Over time, this can damage the various systems of the body and one’s overall health. Combating these trends by engaging in healthy outdoor activities that stimulate the body and mind can help improve one’s health trajectory and reduce one’s vulnerability to developing cardiovascular conditions that are inflamed by too much screen time.

 

Your Friends in Cardiovascular Health

Beverly Hills Vein Center is a clinic that specializes in helping patients maintain optimal cardiovascular health. If you are concerned about your likelihood of developing a cardiovascular condition like coronary artery disease, contact us today to make an appointment to discuss your best path forward.