Physical Activity Beneficial Worldwide

Two prospective cohort studies revealed that physical activity was associated with a lower risk of mortality both in the general population and in patients with stable coronary heart disease worldwide. The 1st study included 130 843 participants without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and followed 6·9 years. Higher physical activity was associated with lower mortality and risk of cardiovascular disease in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. Both recreational and non-recreational physical activity were associated with benefits. The 2nd study included 15,486 patients of stable coronary heart disease with a median follow-up of 3.7 years. More physical activity was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The decrease in mortality with increased habitual exercise was steeper at lower compared higher exercise levels and stronger in those with the highest mortality risk. Source: http://www.thelancet.com/; http://www.onlinejacc.org/