What is one way exercise helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?

• A. Keeps heart muscles strong
• B. Increases cholesterol
• C. Reduces heart strength
• D. Worsens blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, making it pump more blood with each beat. This improves overall cardiovascular efficiency, can lower resting heart rate, and often helps reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. All of these changes work together to reduce the risk of heart disease. The option that reflects this direct benefit—keeping the heart muscle strong—is the best answer. Increasing cholesterol, weakening heart strength, or worsening blood pressure would not reduce cardiovascular risk; in fact, they would do the opposite.