To reach this conclusion, researchers from the University of Oulu (Finland) followed nearly 2,500 people aged 65 to 74, for 12 years (from 2001 to the end of 2013). The objective of this work: to assess the link between the practice of physical activity and the risk of heart disease and death.
The volunteers described their physical activity and their lifestyle habits related to their health. The researchers also assessed the health status of the volunteers. At the end of the study, 197 people died as a result of cardiovascular disorders and 416 suffered a cardiac event.
Moderate physical activity reduces heart risk by 30%
Results of the research presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology : moderate physical activity would reduce the risk of an acute cardiovascular event by more than 30%. Another observation: this risk would decrease even more thanks to the intense practice of a sport.
This finding confirms that physically active seniors are less likely to develop heart disease. Thus, this work shows that it is essential to continue to practice a enough sports activity to stay in shape even if this practice can become difficult with age.
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