Whether it’s gardening, a short walk around the neighborhood or to the mailbox, these quiet activities can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 22% in women.
A study had already proven it for men, it is now proven for women: a little daily physical activity can make the difference in the face of cardiovascular disease. An American study, published in the journal JAMA, has just revealed that light physical activity every day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes (cerebrovascular accidents), or heart failure by up to 22%. In women, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, ahead of cancer.
Cardiovascular diseases: 150,000 deaths per year
In France, cardiovascular diseases cause 147,000 deaths per year, 75% of whom are over 75 years old. It is the second cause of death, and even the first among women. It was long believed that this type of disease was a male affair, and prevention in women was less important. Today, they are increasingly victims of cardiovascular accidents: myocardial infarctions in women under 50 have tripled in the last 15 years.
To prove the benefits of light physical activity, a study was conducted on more than 5,800 women aged 63 to 97, with no history of stroke or heart attack. They were followed for 5 years, wearing an accelerometer on the hips (to measure their movements continuously). Important detail: they were able to distinguish between light physical activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity, which was not done in previous studies.
Up to 42% less risk of death
And the results are clear: the risk of cardiovascular events drops by 22% by practicing light activity regularly. In addition, the risk of heart attack or coronary death decreases by up to 42%.
“This study suggests that for older women, any movement contributes to better cardiovascular health,” said David Goff, director of NHLBI’s Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, who contributed to the research. He adds that “the higher the level of activity, the lower the risk”. But we should also not forget that other factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A healthy lifestyle in general, that is to say avoiding tobacco and having a varied and balanced diet in addition to regular physical activity, is the most effective solution to guard against these diseases.
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