Even Small Amounts of Exercise Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

A meta-analysis of thirty three studies looking at the correlation between coronary heart disease and physical activity has shown that even small amounts of aerobic exercise performed on a regular basis may help reduce the risk of heart-related ailments. Conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the journal, Circulation, which is put out by the American Heart Association, the study specifically found that as little as two and half hours per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can lower a person’s overall risk of heart disease by 14 percent. It also reports that the risk of developing coronary heart disease reduces progressively the more physical activity a person does. Jacob Sattelmair, author of the AHA study, emphasized that even a little bit of activity can make a significant difference and that the biggest health benefits observed were from those who went from doing nothing to doing something small. Sattlemair defines a little bit as being ten to fifteen minutes a day and stresses that even though more is needed to maintain a healthy weight and achieve maximum benefits, it’s important for people to know that doing less is also helpful and worth every minute. Interestingly, the study also found that women seem to benefit more from exercise, but indicated that more research was necessary to fully understand why. Sattelmair also noted, though not part of the new findings, that sporadic exercise throughout the day is also a very important factor in establishing good health.