A simple 20-minute brisk walk a day is all it takes to improve health and reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a study published this Wednesday in the American Heart Association’s scientific bulletin Circulation.
The study warns that populations that exercise less (the elderly, women, blacks, those with depression, those of lower socioeconomic capacity, and those living in rural areas) are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
The authors emphasize the importance of increasing resources and developing initiatives that promote physical activity in a sustainable way, especially for groups with less economic resources.
In the study, they explain that regular exercise keeps the heart strong, with an energetic walk of 20 minutes a day being sufficient.
The researchers reached this conclusion after analyzing the levels of physical activity of different groups of adults and looking at strategies to increase physical activity in groups with few resources or at risk for poor cardiovascular health.
“Helping everyone improve heart health is important,” said Gerald J. Jerome, of the Department of Kinesiology (the study of movement) at Towson University, Maryland, USA.
“We found that many groups with poor heart health also had little physical activity. We know that regular exercise is an important part of optimal heart health. We want to get exercise where people need it most”points.
The American Heart Association measures cardiovascular health and risk using 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 per week (as recommended by the American Heart Association).
The team analyzed data from physical activity programs designed to improve levels of physical activity in specific populations and found that those who exercise the least are older adults, women, people of color, people with depression or disabilities, who have a lower socioeconomic status. level and those who live in rural areas or neighborhoods with fewer pedestrian streets.
“Unfortunately, many groups at higher risk of heart disease also report less physical activity on average,” Jerome laments.
Finally, experts in the publication recommend that exercise 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 with health professionals who assess and promote regular physical activity in all patients,” the study authors conclude.
Source: DN
