It’s a known fact: As you get older, your risk of a heart attack increases. But is there a way to stop it naturally? According to new evidence from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, there is–by getting in more physical activity.
The research, led to Luisa Soares-Miranda, Ph.D., is published in the journal Circulation.
“Early abnormalities in this system are picked up by changes in heart rate variability, and these changes predict the risk of future heart attacks and death,” says Soares-Miranda, a postdoctorate fellow from the University of Porto in Portugal. “Based on the team’s results, maintaining or boosting physical activity as we get older has additional heart benefits. If you’re not physically active, it is never too late to start.”
Analyzing a total of 985 older adults who had previously participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based study which looked at the heart disease risk of those aged 65 and older, Soares-Miranda had participants wear a heart monitor everyday for 5 years, looking at how their heart rates varied. According to Soares-Miranda, variabilities in heart rate are directly affected by the nervous system, which regulate the heart–and often can be a predictor of future heart problems.
Then she looked at how often these participants stayed physically active, and found an interesting association. For those who either stayed very physically active or increased their physical activity during the study period, their heart rate variability improved, suggesting they faced a smaller risk of heart problems, including a heart attack.
But those who slowed down their physical activity during the study had worse heart variability.
“Our results also suggest that these certain beneficial changes that occur may be reduced when physical activity is reduced,” says Soares-Miranda. “So if you feel comfortable with your usual physical activity, do not slow down as you get older–try to walk an extra block or walk at a faster pace.”
According to her findings, those who stay physically active–or even start to become physically active–are 11 percent less likely to have a heart attack or sudden cardiac death. And while those numbers may seem small, they can make a huge difference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year around 720,000 Americans have a heart attack–and just a 11 percent reduction could potentially save over 79,000 lives.
Of course, it’s easier said than done when it comes to motivating people to exercise.
“It’s well worth getting into the habit of keeping active, as we know it can help reduce the risk of heart disease along with many other conditions,” says Doireann Maddock, a senior cardiac nurse at the UK’s British Health Foundation. “Every 10 minutes counts, so even hopping off the bus a couple of stops early or taking a brisk walk on your lunch break will help.”
Readers: How do you personally stay active in your day-to-day life?
Sources:
A Brisk Walk Could Save Seniors From a Heart Attack – MedicalNewsToday.com
Heart Disease Statistics – CDC.gov
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