Researchers have revealed that simple daily exercise could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
According to Medical News, heart disease is the leading cause of deaths globally, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 17.9 million people die because of heart disease every year.
As per the current guidelines of the American Heart Association, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or gardening, every week, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise like running, swimming laps, and heavy yard work, can protect heart health.
However, for those who cannot do extensive exercise, a study published in the journal Circulation suggested that as little as 3 minutes of moderate, nonstructured physical activity could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How daily activities contribute to protecting against heart disease
The study that analysed the health data from more than 24,000 participants in the UK Biobank accelerometry substudy found that daily activities like climbing stairs, walking a dog, mopping the floor, mowing the lawn, and adding in extra walking by parking further away also play a significant role in protecting your heart.
The lead author of the study said, “Incidental physical activity, things we do as part of our daily routines, offers many, largely untapped, opportunities. However, we do not understand very well what is the best way to promote incidental activity and how to support people (integrating) it into their day-to-day routines.”
“Incidental activities are short and sporadic, so most of the existing research gives us limited information on incidental physical activity, including (vigorous incidental physical activity),” Emmanuel Stamatakis added.
Researchers recommend starting small, like taking stairs, and aiming for 4-5 minutes of intense to begin 15-25 minutes of moderate daily activity.
