Science fiction is often not that far away from scientific truth; you just have to give it a little time. Do you remember television’s Bionic Man from the 1970s?
Well, we now live in a world on the cusp of realizing a field called “regenerative medicine,” a futuristic arm of medical research in which scientists use stem cells, nanotechnology (microscopic particles), and other techniques to rebuild or repair damaged tissues, including the heart.
The real blossoming of regenerative medicine could still be years away, however. The good news is that you can start right now with your own body. That’s right, regular cardiovascular exercise — such as riding a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer — will allow your body to create its own supply of microscopic blood vessels.
These vessels form an alternative route for blood flow to your heart. And they can keep you from suffering a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. You don’t even have to break a sweat; walking at least one hour a day will create this alternate network of vessels just as well.
So what are you waiting for? Lace up those sneakers and head out the door!
© HealthDay