Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, making it essential to be aware of potential prevention methods. A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that even short bursts of intense exercise can significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk.
The research analyzed data from over 103,000 adults in the UK who wore activity trackers for a week between 2013 and 2015. Female participants who recorded an average of 3.4 minutes of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity per day were 45% less likely to experience major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Additionally, these women were 51% less likely to have heart attacks and 67% less likely to have heart failure. The researchers concluded that vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity may be a promising target for cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in women who are unable or unwilling to engage in formal exercise.
While the study was conducted on UK residents, its findings suggest that shorter periods of intense activity can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Even 1.2 minutes of daily activity was linked to a 30% lower risk of all major adverse cardiovascular events.
Experts recommend incorporating small, deliberate changes into daily activities, such as taking the stairs at a brisk pace or doing household chores quickly. This type of exercise can help increase heart rate and contribute to overall health. By making these simple changes, individuals can boost their heart health by almost half.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/daily-habit-may-slash-heart-184000999.html