Key points from article :
A new study suggests that as little as four minutes of vigorous daily activity, like climbing stairs or walking briskly, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in women. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the research highlights the potential heart health benefits of short, high-intensity bursts of movement woven into everyday life.
Using data from over 81,000 middle-aged UK Biobank participants, researchers tracked heart health for nearly a decade. Women who averaged 3.4 minutes of vigorous activity daily but did no formal exercise were 45% less likely to experience serious heart issues compared to those who were inactive. Specifically, their risk of heart attacks was reduced by 51%, and the risk of heart failure by 67%.
The benefits were less pronounced in men, who saw a 16% reduction in cardiovascular risk from 5.6 minutes of daily bursts of exertion. Experts emphasize that these findings are particularly relevant for women who may not have time or ability for structured exercise, offering a realistic way to improve heart health.
Cardiac experts, including the British Heart Foundation, confirm that even brief moments of exertion can contribute to a healthier heart. However, for those able to commit to more, the standard advice remains to aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
