Physical activity reduces cardiovascular disease risk in older adults

Commentary on: Soares-Miranda L, Siscovick DS, Psaty BM, et al.. Physical activity and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in older adults: the cardiovascular health study. Circulation 2016;133:147–55 . Context Currently, at least 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is recommended for adults of all ages to beneficially influence individual and population health and cardiovascular mortality.1 Adhering to current physical activity guidelines has been shown to be associated with a 20% lower mortality risk compared to physically inactive persons.2 A physically active lifestyle is linked with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, at all ages, and in some improvements in atherosclerotic processes and stiffening of the arteries.3–6 Walking is a low-risk activity and one of the most popular activities at older ages.7 The...
Source: Evidence-Based Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Epidemiologic studies, Drugs: cardiovascular system, Stroke, Ischaemic heart disease, Sports and exercise medicine Aetiology/Harm Source Type: research