According to a new study, just four minutes of high-intensity activity each day can cut women’s chance of a heart attack in half.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that small amounts of VILPA (vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity) were linked to a significantly lower risk of all MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events). VILPA refers to bouts of intense physical activity peppered throughout the day, like climbing several flights of stairs.
Researchers analyzed data from over 80,000 middle-aged individuals who wore an activity tracker for a week between 2013 and 2015. Of the group, around 22,000 participants reported performing no regular exercise beyond a single walk each week.
Women who engaged in 3.4 minutes of daily intense activity but reported no formal exercise were found to have a 45% lower risk of a cardiac event than women who recorded no activity. The risk of a heart attack, specifically, was 51% lower, and the chance of heart failure was cut by 67%.
While men were also assessed as part of the study, the results were not as dramatic. Men who engaged in 5.6 minutes of VILPA but no formal exercise were found to have a 16% lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
“We know already that any amount of exercise is beneficial when trying to lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes. This large study is evidence that getting your body moving and raising your heart rate even just for a few minutes daily can really make a difference to having a healthy heart,” said Regina Giblin, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, who was not involved with the study, per The Guardian.
Last month, The Dallas Express reported on another study that sheds light on heart health.
Researchers, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, found that inconsistent sleep patterns are associated with a 26% increase in the risk of potentially fatal heart-related medical emergencies.
While the exact cause is unknown, some experts speculate that irregular sleep patterns might disrupt the body’s ability to manage blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, and immune function. This can, in turn, drive higher blood pressure, promote the release of stress hormones, and have other adverse effects.
In yet another study published in October, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk said the diabetes pill Rybelsus, a tablet version of Ozempic, was linked to a 14% reduction in the likelihood of suffering a cardiovascular event in individuals with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing heart or chronic kidney disease, or all three illnesses.