For adults with limited mobility, even low-level physical activity can improve cardiac risk.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, every minute of physical activity may contribute toward lowering the risk of heart attack and death from heart-related issues.
The research team was led by Thomas W. Buford, PhD, the director of the Health Promotion Center at the University of Florida Institute on Aging. Participants in the study were aged 74-84 and suffered from limited mobility, but were still able to walk 400 meters. The researchers measured their levels of physical activity using accelerometers.
A number of factors including age, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were taken into account by researchers when predicting participant’s 10-year risk of heart attack or heart-related death. The findings revealed that for every half hour a participant was sedentary each day, their predicted risk of heart attack or coronary death increased by one percent.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, every minute of physical activity may contribute toward lowering the risk of heart attack and death from heart-related issues.
The research team was led by Thomas W. Buford, PhD, the director of the Health Promotion Center at the University of Florida Institute on Aging. Participants in the study were aged 74-84 and suffered from limited mobility, but were still able to walk 400 meters. The researchers measured their levels of physical activity using accelerometers.
A number of factors including age, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were taken into account by researchers when predicting participant’s 10-year risk of heart attack or heart-related death. The findings revealed that for every half hour a participant was sedentary each day, their predicted risk of heart attack or coronary death increased by one percent.
However, participants whose accelerometer readings indicated activities like slow walking or light housekeeping were associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as “good” cholesterol, which helps keep arteries clear and reduces the risk of heart problems.
In conclusion, reducing the time spent sedentary each day and increasing time spent participating in low-level physical activity, such as slow walking or light housekeeping, may have great heart benefits for older adults with limited mobility.
That means that even getting up and walking around the room every hour or so could keep your heart healthier. Share with us! Tell us what keeps you moving in the comments section below.
In conclusion, reducing the time spent sedentary each day and increasing time spent participating in low-level physical activity, such as slow walking or light housekeeping, may have great heart benefits for older adults with limited mobility.
That means that even getting up and walking around the room every hour or so could keep your heart healthier. Share with us! Tell us what keeps you moving in the comments section below.
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