Men Reduce Your Heart Attack Risk by Vigorous Exercise

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health new study have determined that just three hours weekly of vigorous exercise can decrease the risk for a heart attack by 22%. Around 38% of decreased risk was due to exercises benefits on the man's good cholesterol levels and also have higher vitamin D levels.

Dr. Andrea Chomistek,Sc.D, research fellow, department of nutrition at Harvard and lead researcher of this study explains that vitamin D playing a role in the association between exercise and risk of heart disease is a new finding. Noting this appears to come from outdoors more. When people exercise they seem to do it outdoors and the sunlight raises their vitamin D levels. Dr. Chomistek also believes you do not get this rise in vitamin D from being indoors on a treadmill.

Participating in the study were 1,239 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study that had provided information on their weekly exercise amounts. Researchers had also examined the participant's cholesterol levels biomarkers of inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

Between the years 1994 and 2004, 454 had endured a non-fatal heart attack or had died from coronary artery disease. Among these participants 412 men were compared to a control group of 827 men with no heart problems.

The results of the study had shown vigorous exercise was linked with higher levels of good cholesterol which accounted for the 38% decreased risk for heart attack. It was also determined that those who did exercise had higher amounts of vitamin D, lower amounts of hemoglobin (marker of diabetes risk) and apolipoprotein B (blood protein) in comparison to those men who were not active.

Researchers did not inquire about how much time they spent exercising outdoors. However, other research has shown that higher levels of vitamin D come from the outdoors and sunlight.

Dr. Russ Pate, professor of exercise science at the University of South Carolina and Director of Children's Physical Activity Research Group had remarked that the other reason to be outside is double benefit. When outside receive more physical activity which gives you a range of health benefits plus you get more exposure from the sun increasing the vitamin D levels more which also provides many health benefits.

One person dies every thirty seconds from heart disease which equals over 2,600 people each day. Heart disease does not discriminate it is the leading killer for men and women.

A person who exercises often and vigorously has the lowest risk for heart disease but any amount of exercise is beneficial.

Exercise provides numerous benefits to the heart and circulation. Some of the benefits you receive include improved cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation in arteries and aides in weight loss.

Exercise is not all that bad when you consider you can take two eleven minute walks a day by your self or your take the dog.

Aerobics, cardio classes and even strength training will provide you with the exercise you need and the wealth of health benefits.

sources:

USA Today

US News

University of Maryland Medical Center