People with low physical activity levels are at risk of going on to develop cardiovascular disease 12 years later, new research has demonstrated.
The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study has found that adults who are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease display declining physical activity levels beginning roughly 12 years before.
Previous research has claimed that the development of cardiovascular disease can be combatted by physical activity.
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Most people fail to meet the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity, experts have said.
As part of the trial, the team of researchers examined the health data and physical activity levels of more than 3,000 adults involved in the CARDIA study.
Each participant filled in surveys to outline if they meet eight vigorous-intensity and five moderate-intensity activity types.
The study has shown that Black women had the lowest physical activity levels throughout adulthood and Black men had a more sustained decline.
Meanwhile, White men displayed initial decline but then it often stabilised and improved, the results have revealed.
Whereas, White women began with lower activity than men but showed notable recovery beginning in midlife, the study has reported.
A total of 236 of the participants went on to develop cardiovascular disease, and these individuals often saw their physical activity levels start declining roughly 12 years before.
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According to the findings, Black women were at the greatest risk of cardiovascular disease and White men were at the lowest risk.
The authors said: “Physical activity declines from early adulthood to midlife then stabilises, with notable demographic differences.
“Sustaining physical activity across the lifespan, especially for groups such as Black women, may help reduce cardiovascular risk and improve recovery.”
To read the study, click here.
