Physical activity contributes to reducing risk of heart attack and coronary death in older adults

Old age is a general term used to refer to that phase in life when one has outlived the average lifespan of human beings (which was 67.2 years in 2010 according to the CIA Fact Book). With better medi

By: Agencies | | Published: February 19, 2015 1:27 pm

Old age is a general term used to refer to that phase in life when one has outlived the average lifespan of human beings (which was 67.2 years in 2010 according to the CIA Fact Book). With better medical facilities and less hostile environments, more and more people are living beyond the expected lifespan giving rise to vulnerability to lifestyle diseases like cancer, heart disease or mental illnesses.

Every minute of physical activity contributes to reducing risk of heart attack and coronary death in older adults with limited mobility, says a study. ‘Reducing time spent being sedentary even by engaging in low-intensity activities could have important cardiovascular benefits for older adults with mobility limitations,’ said senior author of the study Thomas Buford from the University of Florida Institute on Aging in Gainesville, Florida. (Read: 10 things that happen during a heart attack)

For the study, the researchers measured movement with accelerometers in 1,170 people aged 74-84 at eight centers across the US who had physical limitations but could walk 400 metres. Using factors such as age, cholesterol levels and blood pressure, the researchers calculated participants’ predicted 10-year risk of heart attack or coronary death. (Read: A healthy heart in youth can keep diseases away in old age)

For every 25-30 minutes a participant was sedentary per day, his/her predicted risk was one percent higher. Physical activity like slow walking or light housekeeping was linked to higher HDL or high-density lipoprotein (‘good’) cholesterol levels in people with no history of heart disease. Participants on an average spent only an hour or less with physical activity such as moderate walking. (Read: High-fat diet increases the risk of heart attack and stroke)

Generally, most physical activity recommendations suggest that adults should engage in higher intensity activities to improve or maintain health. But that level might not be realistic for sedentary older adults with limited mobility, researchers said. ‘Encouraging individuals to just reduce the amount of time they spend being sedentary may have important cardiovascular benefits,’ Buford noted. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Heart Association. (Read: 5 natural foods to prevent heart disease)

Source: IANS

Photo source: Getty images

Published: February 19, 2015 1:27 pm

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

Even 1 soda daily could lead you to cancer

60 seconds of daily walk can help cut the risk of heart attack or stroke

About The health Site

Useful Links