Women active a few times weekly have lower risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/aha-waa021115.php


Public Release: 16-Feb-2015
American Heart Association

Middle-aged women who are physically active a few times per week have lower risks of heart disease, stroke and blood clots than inactive women, according to research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. Surprisingly, more frequent physical activity didn't result in further reductions in risk, researchers said.

In the study:

• Women who performed strenuous physical activity-- enough to cause sweating or a faster heart beat -- two to three times per week were about 20 percent less likely to develop heart disease, strokes or blood clots compared to participants who reported little or no activity.

• Among active women, there was little evidence of further risk reductions with more frequent activity.

Physical activities associated with reduced risk included walking, gardening, and cycling.

•••••