- Researchers report that regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of heart failure in women 63 to 99 years of age.
- The researchers found that 3,600 steps per day was a reasonable target for older women.
- They suggest women need to do twice the time of light to moderate activity to receive the same health benefits that they get from vigorous activity.
Physical activity in older women, including light activity, is associated with lower heart failure rates than those with a sedentary lifestyle.
That’s according to a new
Researchers analyzed the activity data of 5,951 women, ages 63 to 99, who wore activity trackers for 24 hours a day for seven days, except when in water. The participants did not have known heart failure.
Scientists followed the women for an average of 7.5 years. During this time, there were 407 cases of heart failure.
Some results of the study include:
- The scientists consistently observed lower risks of heart failure in women who participated in daily physical activity.
- Double the time spent on light to moderate resulted in similar health benefits to intense physical activity.
- 3,600 steps per day was associated with a 26% lower risk of heart failure.
The researchers said that 30 minutes of exercise and 3,600 steps daily are reasonable targets for women 63 to 99 and can help lower the risk of heart failure. They suggest that medical professionals encourage older adults to sit less and be more active while completing daily activities.
“This study showed that the benefit in terms of preventing heart failure can be accrued even with a lower amount of activity,” said Dr. Ajay Vallakati, a specialist in advanced heart failure at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who was not involved in the study. “The risk of developing heart failure was highest in women who walked less than 2,000 steps per day. The risk of developing heart failure goes down with women who walk more than 2,500 steps…
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