27 Jul Moderate Exercise Lowers Heart Disease risk in Young Women
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Andrea K. Chomistek
Andrea K. Chomistek, MPH, ScD
Assistant Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
School of Public Health
Indiana University-Bloomington
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Previous studies of exercise and coronary heart disease have been primarily conducted in middle-aged and older adults, so we thought it was important to examine this association in younger women as mortality rates in young women have not declined in recent years like they have in other age groups.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Findings from this study indicate that physical activity is associated with lower risk of CHD in young women. Exercise did not have to be strenuous to lower risk; moderate-intensity physical activity, including brisk walking, was associated with lower risk of CHD. Additionally, we found that frequency of physical activity was not associated with CHD risk after adjusting for total amount of physical activity. Finally, the associations between physical activity and lower coronary heart disease risk were evident regardless of body mass index.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: For people who are currently inactive and find joining a gym intimidating, start getting active by incorporating some walking into your day. Findings from this study indicate that frequency of physical activity is not as important as total volume; thus, individuals can achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week in as many or as few sessions as they wish. Finally, it is important for normal weight, overweight, and obese women to be physically active.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: As this study was conducted among primarily white women, examining frequency, intensity, volume, and type of physical activity in relation to coronary heart disease among younger men and women of other races is important. Additionally, as several longitudinal cohort studies are now using accelerometers to measure physical activity, it will be interesting to see how these objective measures of physical activity relate to risk of heart disease, particularly light activity and sedentary behavior.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: Engaging in exercise is beneficial for lowering risk of having a heart attack in young women. It doesn’t matter if the exercise is moderate or vigorous and every little bit counts!
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Frequency, Type, and Volume of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Young Women
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Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on July 27, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD