A report
published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
followed nearly 70,000 women for 18 years. Scientists found that
the risk of sudden cardiac death from exercise was very low. It was
only slightly more than the risk associated with no
exertion.
What’s more, women who exercised for four or more hours per
week benefited from their hard work. They had a 59
percent lower risk for sudden cardiac death than inactive women. These
results suggest that sudden cardiac death from exercise is very
rare in women. And women who exercise actually may protect themselves
against it.
Other study shows dangers of inactive
lifestyle
Another study in the same journal found more evidence to support
the heart-boosting benefits of exercise. Exercising may protect
against cardiovascular disease, even if women are above their ideal
weight.
The study of 27,000 women looked at body mass index,
a measure of weight in relation to height. BMI was more closely
linked to women’s heart risks than their activity level. But
exercise was still important. Among women with the same BMI, being
active was associated with better heart health.
Regular
practice makes exercise perfect
To reap the benefits
of exercise, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity
exercise on most days of the week. Brisk walking is one easy
option. Others include doing yard work, biking, dancing and swimming.
You may want to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise
program if you have heart disease.
If you’re becoming
active again, start out slowly to play it safe. Gradually increase
the intensity and amount of time you’re active.
