Even low physical activity is sufficient to act preventively on most of the risk factors that affect people with cardiovascular disease, according to the results of a study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.
Researchers from the University of Montreal in Canada carried out a study with 205 men and 44 women with heart disease, including coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure and valve disease.
They subjected the volunteers to a stress test on a bicycle to analyze their physical condition. The results of the study showed that a normal physical condition, and even up to 20% below the population average, is sufficient to trigger preventive action on five of the eight risk factors that affect people with cardiovascular disease: waist circumference, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and overweight. The easiest way to achieve this is to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which is 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
“This is great news for people with heart disease who have difficulty adhering to a regular, primarily aerobic exercise program,” said Daniel Curnier, a professor in the University’s Department of Kinesiology, in a statement. of Montreal, lead author of the study. “So small improvements in their physical condition would be enough. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy these effects.
Depression increases the risk of heart disease
Physical activity reduces the risk of depression which is a high risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. This study highlights the importance of having a good physical condition, before and after a heart attack, which will exert a preventive action on the depression.
For individuals who have already been diagnosed with heart risks, it is important that they are advised in the choice of their physical activity.
“Only these professionals are able to know what type of exercise is safe for them and how to implement an exercise program,” warn the authors.
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