An hour of moderate-intensity exercise or half an hour of vigorous-intensity exercise each day may lower your risk of heart failure by as much as 46 percent, according to a study published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure. Swedish researchers studied more than 39,000 adults who didnt have heart failure at the studys start in 1997. The researchers monitored the participants exercise patterns and leisure activities for about 15 years. Those who exercised more had a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure. Individuals with heart failure, on average, face a 30 to 50 percent risk of death within five years of their diagnosis. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart becomes weak and can no longer effectively pump blood throughout the body. The connection between exercise and heart failure hasnt been studied extensively, but there is no question that regular exercise is an important component of heart health. If you have questions about starting an exercise program, talk with your doctor about activities that are safe for you. If you have had a heart attack, which is a risk factor for heart failure, participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program to learn about exercise, nutrition, and other lifestyle changes necessary for optimal heart health.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber.
Sign in
