A recent study suggests that women with cardiovascular disease aren't much active physically and targeted counselling to exercise more could reduce the risk of disease.
The details were published in the Journal of JAMA Network Open.
The researchers say their results suggest that women diagnosed with such disorders as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances, and peripheral artery disease should talk to their physicians about how to increase their physical activity levels to maintain optimal cardiac health and decrease health care costs associated with cardiac disability.
"Physical activity is a known, cost-effective prevention strategy for women with and without cardiovascular disease, and our study shows worsening health and financial trends over time among women with cardiovascular disease who don't get enough physical activity. We have more reason than ever to encourage women with cardiovascular disease to move more," said Victor Okunrintemi, researcher.
The researcher recommended physical activity to reduce a woman's chances of developing cardiovascular disease and to advance and maintain recovery after a heart attack or stroke.
The standard recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, which works out to at least 30 minutes of brisk movement per day, five days a week.
Previous studies have shown that over the span of a lifetime, men are on average more physically active than women.
Lack of regular physical activity has been independently linked in scores of previous studies to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
"The expense of poor health is tremendous. Many high-risk women need encouragement to get more physically active in hopes of living healthier lives while reducing their health care costs," said Erin Michos associate.
Researchers say there is a need to tailor specific interventions to the most-impacted groups, including older women, women of lower socioeconomic status as well as minorities, and to encourage physicians who care for them to more consistently promote cardiac rehabilitation referrals and safe exercise tips.
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