WHO Study: Regular Exercise Crucial for Heart Health
A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the crucial role of regular exercise in preventing heart disease. The report, published in 2013, found a clear link between higher physical activity and a reduction in cardiovascular events, benefiting both men and women. This news comes as a reminder of the importance of exercise, especially for older adults, as it can significantly lower the risk of dying from heart disease, nonfatal heart attacks, and the need for heart procedures.
The WHO study, conducted in 2013, joins a chorus of research underscoring the heart-healthy benefits of regular exercise. It found that higher fitness levels predict lower death rates and complications associated with cardiovascular disease. This is particularly relevant given that, in 2010, about 69 percent of adults were overweight or obese, and about 47 percent had been advised by a doctor to start or continue an exercise program. Regular exercise is a key strategy in preventing heart disease, as it leads to heart-healthy habits, preventing conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels.
Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. This is crucial as people age, as they need more regular exercise, not less. The WHO study found that active people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and chronic diseases like heart disease are less likely to die prematurely than inactive people with these conditions. This is particularly important for older adults aged 45 to 85, who were more likely to be advised by their doctors to exercise.
The WHO's findings underscore the importance of regular exercise in preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. With about 69 percent of adults being overweight or obese, and many advised by their doctors to exercise, it's clear that regular physical activity should be a key part of everyone's health routine. By reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels, regular exercise can significantly improve overall health and longevity.
