In a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers found that exercise’s cardiovascular benefits might be even more pronounced for women than men. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handed out Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh, to 21 eminent personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions across various fields.
Senior study author Dr. Susan Cheng, director of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, highlighted that women required less exercise to gain equivalent benefits as men. The study analyzed data from over 400,000 US adults, revealing that women who exercised for at least 150 minutes a week were 24% less likely to die from any cause than those who exercised less. In comparison, men exercising for the same duration experienced a 15% reduced risk.
Interestingly, women were also 36% less likely to suffer cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes with regular exercise, compared to a 14% reduced risk in men. The study emphasized that women achieved these benefits with less exercise time, showing significant reductions in risk even at 140 minutes a week.
While the study is observational, linking exercise to lower mortality risk, it provides valuable insights into potential gender differences in the impact of physical activity. Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for overall health. He emphasized that exercise is a potent, yet underutilized, treatment for various health issues.
As global interest in personalized medicine grows, researchers acknowledge the significance of tailoring treatments based on individual characteristics, including gender. Despite the challenges in pinpointing exact mechanisms behind the observed differences, the study underscores the substantial health benefits that women may derive from regular exercise. Experts recommend incorporating at least 30 minutes of brisk activity into daily routines, making it an enjoyable and consistent part of life.
