For women who don’t engage in regular exercise programs, incorporating short bursts of vigorous activity into their daily routine can significantly lower heart disease risks. A recent UK-based study found that accumulating just three minutes of intense physical activity daily reduced the risk of serious heart events like heart attack by 45% and heart failure by 67%. Even women with minimal physical activity, averaging only 1.5 minutes per day, saw a 30-40% reduction in heart problems.
The study tracked over 22,000 middle-aged participants for eight years, using wrist devices to monitor their every movement. The findings suggest that the strong association between small amounts of physical activity and reduced heart risks may be due to accurate measurements. Interestingly, men who were inactive did not experience the same benefits, possibly due to physiological differences.
Experts recommend adding brief periods of intense activity, such as energetic housework or gardening, to daily routines. These short bursts can significantly improve heart health, particularly for women who don’t participate in extensive workout programs. With heart disease being the leading cause of death among men and women in the US, incorporating simple yet effective habits like this into daily life could make a significant difference.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/small-bursts-activity-slash-heart-risks-women/story?id=116450334