United States: The latest research shows that doing short intense episodes of exercise during a woman’s day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or carrying groceries, can dramatically decrease the chances of a heart attack. British scientists said that as little as four minutes of such activity a day can reduce the risk of having a heart attack by 51 percent, heart failure by 67 percent.
Even Brief Activity Improves Cardiovascular Health in Women
The study also showed that as little as 1.5 to 4 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, in one-minute increments in women between the ages of 40 and 79, those who do not exercise regularly or have sedentary jobs, linked to clinically significant improvements in heart health outcomes, as reported by HealthDay.
The research, part of the U.K. Biobank initiative, followed nearly 22,400 adults, with 58% being women, and found that even small amounts of non-structured physical activity, like housework, were associated with a 45% reduced risk of heart health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Why This Strategy is Particularly Effective for Women
Lead researcher Emmanuel Stamatakis emphasized the potential of integrating these brief physical activities into daily routines, especially for women who struggle to follow formal exercise regimens. The findings suggest that habit formation, even through small actions, can lead to substantial long-term heart health benefits.
Gender Differences in Heart Health Benefits
While women experienced significant heart health benefits from short bursts of activity, men showed a lesser reduction in risk. Further studies are needed to explore why these bursts have such a pronounced impact on women’s cardiovascular systems, as reported by HealthDay.