24 May Moderate Physical Activity May Decrease Heart Disease Risk in Perimenopausal Women
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Unab I. Khan, M.B.,B.S., M.S.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Family & Social Medicine
Division of Adolescent Medicine
The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
The Pediatric Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, NY 10467
MedicalResearch: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr. Khan: We wanted to find factors that lead to either an increase or decrease in risk of developing cardiovascular disease. We found that in middle aged overweight and obese women, who may not have any medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, an increase in weight over time and the development of any of the conditions stated above, increased the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly.
On the other hand, even moderate physical activity decreased the risk of heart disease, even in the presence of the above stated conditions.
MedicalResearch: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr. Khan: We were very surprised to see the significant impact of moderate physical activity on reducing the risk.
MedicalResearch: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Khan: Our study shows that we, as providers, should promote physical activity in all our patients, regardless of other risk factors, because that little amount of physical activity can still decrease their risk of heart disease.
MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Khan: To explain how mild-moderate physical activity improves cardiovascular disease risk, we should look into the changes in adipokines and fat distribution that occur over time.
Citation:
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-3259
Last Updated on May 24, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD