According to a recent study, people who exercise regularly can markedly reduce their chances of dying from heart disease, even if they have a history of high blood pressure or a pot belly. But the study also found that dieting alone is not enough to combat the creeping threat of heart disease; when dieting is combined with regular exercise, the chances of heart disease diminish. This means that even slim, healthy people are at risk of heart disease if they don’t get active.
The study, conducted in cooperation by Curtin University and Sir Charles Gairdner University, tracked more than 8,600 men and women over 15 years. The study found that people who exercised strenuously, including activities that caused them to breathe hard or pant, had a 65 percent less chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those with low levels of physical activity.
Even people who work out only moderately do better than those who live sedentary lifestyles. The study found that people who work out moderately reduced their risk of heart disease by 15 percent.
Researchers were quick to stress that the findings of the study only relate to serious physical activity; they didn’t factor every day activities such as walking or cycling for transport into the equation. But they insist that while these activities are good for the body, setting aside time every day for a work out will do wonders for your heart.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.