According to a study published in the journal JAMA Cardiology in March, of nearly 800 professional athletes in the US infected with Covid-19, less than 1% had heart disease.
According to expert Dana Santas, the athlete’s training regimen does not emphasize low-intensity cardio or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).
`There is growing evidence that HIIT exercise has cardiovascular and metabolic benefits comparable to or greater than MICT exercise, in both healthy and chronically ill individuals,` according to the 2018 study.
Further evidence of the benefits of HIIT was discovered in a clinical study of 93 patients with coronary artery disease.
Santas said rest and recovery are also important for everyone.
`Getting a good night’s sleep is important for your body’s energy and heart health. Adults who sleep less than 7 hours a night are at increased risk of health problems, including heart attack, asthma and depression.`
`You don’t have to optimize your rest and recovery like a pro, you just need to spend some research time or money to improve the quality of your sleep. Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool enough
Coach Dana Santas (right) during a Blue Jays practice session.
Professional sports teams understand the need for nutrition for athletes.
According to Jeremy Chiang, nutritionist for the Toronto Blue Jays Major League baseball team: `We always feed our players low-fat protein and encourage snacks rich in omega-3. Every meal always includes fruit and vegetables.
This diet is not only suitable for athletes but is also a general rule for those who are health conscious.
Above all, Chiang emphasizes drinking water: `We need to drink enough water to absorb nutrients. Without water, the blood will be thicker and put more pressure on the heart.`