Scientists have long touted the benefits of regular physical activity for heart health, and new research shows that this holds true even in heart attack cases. In a recent study, individuals who were physically active before experiencing a heart attack were significantly less likely to have a second heart attack in middle age than those who were inactive.
These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle to reduce heart disease risk and improve overall cardiovascular health. So, next time you want to skip your workout or forego that afternoon walk, remember that staying physically active can go a long way in preventing future heart attacks.
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For this new study, researchers examined data from 1,115 adults in Mississippi, Minnesota, Maryland, and North Carolina who had a heart attack between the mid-1990s and the end of 2018. The average age was 73 at the time of the heart attack.
All participants reported exercising at two time points in the years before their heart attack. Questionnaires were used to track leisure time activities, sports, and work-related physical activity such as household chores. All participants received a total exercise score.
It was found that after a median follow-up of two years, those in the highest physical activity group had a 34% lower risk of having a second heart attack compared with those in the lowest activity group.
A history of high physical activity was found to be helpful in the first year after a heart attack. In the least active group, the risk of having another heart attack was found to be 63%. It was also noted that during the first year post-heart attack, the risk of dying from any cause was 39% lower in the most active group compared with the least active group.
“Our study provides additional evidence for the value of maintaining high physical activity levels in middle age before you have a heart attack, which can contribute to a better prognosis afterward,” said the study’s lead researcher, Yejin Mok.
It has long been known that regular physical activity can help to prevent stroke, heart attack and other forms of cardiovascular disease. However, this new study was one of the first to explore whether exercise protects against another serious cardiovascular event after an initial heart attack.
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Researchers recommend adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both. It is also recommended to do muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week for maximum heart-protecting benefits.
Maintaining Heart Health
As this study shows, keeping the heart strong and healthy is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10.
The omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cardiovascular function, while CoQ10 is involved in energy production at the cellular level. These two heart superstars are supported by five other ingredients that can help to promote and support cardiovascular function as you age. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
