Quoted: But it’s not age alone that makes our heart work harder. The study found a bad diet and lack of exercise also contribute. Dr. James Stein, directs the Preventive Cardiology Program at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine. He says he’s seeing more patients with poor cardio fitness. Stein says people are overweight and canĂ¢??t do activities or daily living, such as chores around the home. He says if it gets to be severe, people lose their independence. (Seventh item)