Boosting duration, intensity & frequency of physical activity may lower heart failure risk

(Image: Pixabay CC0) - A six-year analysis of more than 94,000 adults in the U.K. Biobank with no history of heart failure at enrollment has found that engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity may lower the risk of developing heart failure, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation. The study, led by the University of Glasgow, is one of the first to use objectively measured activity levels to estimate heart failure risk. The results are consistent with previous studies finding that performing 150'300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75'150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week may reduce the incidence of heart attack and stroke. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that develops when the heart is not capable of pumping sufficient blood to keep up with the body's needs for blood and oxygen, and it can result in fatigue and difficulty breathing. Frederick K. Ho, co-lead author of the study from the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow, said: "There are many potential ways that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of developing heart failure. "For example, physical activity helps prevent weight gain and related cardiometabolic conditions, such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart failure.