A simple 20-minute brisk walk a day is enough to improve health and reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a study published today in the American Heart Association’s scientific journal Circulation.
The study warns that population groups that practice less exercise (older adults, women, blacks, people with depression, people with lower socioeconomic capacity and those who live in rural areas) have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
The authors emphasize that it is important to increase resources and develop initiatives that promote physical activity in a sustained manner, especially for groups with fewer economic resources.
In the study, they explain that regular physical activity keeps the heart strong, with a brisk walk of 20 minutes a day is enough.
The researchers reached this conclusion after analyzing the levels of physical activity of different groups of adults and reviewing strategies to increase physical activity in groups with few resources or at risk of poor cardiovascular health.
“It’s important to help everyone improve heart health,” says Gerald J. Jerome, of the department of kinesiology (motion study) at the University of Towson, Maryland, USA.
“We found that many groups that had poor heart health also had low levels of physical activity. We know that regular physical activity is a key component of optimal heart health. Physical activity in the places where people need it most,” he says .
The American Heart Association measures cardiovascular health and risk based on eight factors: four health factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index) and four lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, sleep, and diet). ).
But less than 25% of Americans get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week (as recommended by the American Heart Association).
The team analyzed data from physical activity programs designed to improve physical activity levels in specific populations and found that older adults, women, people of color, people with depression or disabilities, those with a lower socioeconomic level and those who live in rural areas or neighborhoods with fewer pedestrian streets.
“Unfortunately, many groups that are at higher risk for heart disease also report, on average, less physical activity,” laments Jerome.
Finally, the experts advise, in the publication, that physical activity programs be adopted with the participation of the community to meet their needs and design programs that are accessible and culturally appropriate.
Increasing levels of physical activity to improve health equity requires “a team approach that includes health professionals who regularly assess and promote physical activity in all patients,” the study authors conclude.
Source: TSF
