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Take a walk for a healthier heart
November 12, 1996
Web posted at: 7:20 p.m. ESTFrom Correspondent Rhonda Rowland
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Women who routinely take a brisk walk reduce their risk of cardiovascular illnesses, according to a report at the American Heart Association conference in New Orleans.
"We found women who walked briskly at least three hours a week had a 40 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke than women who were sedentary," said Dr. JoAnn Manson, Boston Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.
Women who walk a very brisk pace have an even lower chance of developing heart disease, she said.
"Brisk walking is at least three miles per hour ... a mile in 20 minutes or less. A very brisk striding pace is at least four miles per hour, or a mile in 15 minutes," Manson said.
Another report presented at the conference showed that the quality of exercise is more important than quantity.
"We found that the people who are running faster miles -- those are the people who have lower blood pressure," said Kyle McInnis, Boston University Medical Center.
These findings agree with a recent Surgeon General report that warned American's about the need for physical activity, even if in moderate amounts.
Choosing a health club
Doctors at the heart conference warned that people who are at risk should be selective of the health club they choose.
In a survey of more than 100 Massachusetts health clubs, researchers found only about 40 percent routinely screen new members about their risk for heart disease. Emergency procedures were also found to be lacking.
"We found that about half of fitness centers do not practice their emergency procedures or don't run routine drills on a regular basis and what's concerning is -- should something occur it may take time," McInnis said.
McInnis's advice to potential health club members: if you're at risk for heart disease and the club doesn't ask about it, look for another club.
Whether its working out at a health club, walking or even gardening, doctors say any exercise is good exercise.
Related stories:
- Rise up, Americans, and exercise! - July 12, 1996
- Chocolate may help reduce heart disease, study suggests - September 20, 1996
- Link between smoking and heart disease found - May 3, 1996
- Angry response to everyday life can cause health problems - June 17, 1996
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