Exercise and Heart Disease: Different Needs for Men and Women
Exercise is crucial for heart health, but the required amount may vary between men and women. A recent study found that men need approximately twice as much exercise as women to achieve the same reduction in heart disease risk.
Researchers conducted a study involving over 85,000 UK adults aged 37-73, who wore an accelerometer on their wrist for seven days to track their physical activity. The participants' health outcomes were then monitored for nearly eight years.
- Women who engaged in around four hours of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or dancing, had a 30% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Exercise is like medicine for the heart, and just like with medication, you need the right "dose" for it to be effective.
Author's summary: Men require more exercise than women to lower heart disease risk.