One way exercise helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

• A. Builds muscle mass
• B. Reduces flexibility
• C. Increases fatigue
• D. Impairs coordination

Answer: (A)

Regular physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk by improving how the heart and blood vessels work and by favorably altering risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. Building muscle mass is a clear way exercise helps with this overall risk reduction because more lean muscle supports better metabolic health, assists with weight management, and enhances glucose uptake, all of which contribute to a healthier cardiovascular profile over time. The other options describe outcomes that aren’t mechanisms for reducing heart disease risk—reduced flexibility, increased fatigue, and impaired coordination are not benefits and don’t explain how exercise lowers risk.