Physical activity reduces heart failure risk, and the more exertion, the stronger the effect, according to a meta-analysis published online Oct. 5 in Circulation.
“Walking 30 minutes a day as recommended in the U.S. physical activity guidelines, may not be good enough – significantly more physical activity may be necessary to reduce the risk of heart failure,” Dr. Jarett D. Berry, senior author of the study, said in a press release.
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Although physical inactivity has been implicated as a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the relationship of physical activity and heart failure risk has not previously been conducted, said Dr. Berry of the University of Texas Southwest Medical School in Dallas, and his colleagues. They conducted a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies on the relationship of physical activity and heart failure in participants 18 years or older. They presented results by category of physical activity, using a random effects model, and by quantity of metabolic equivalent (MET)-minimum per week.
Twelve cohort studies with 20,203 heart failure events and 370,460 study participants during an average follow-up of 13 years were included in the meta-analysis.
Heart failure risk was 30% lower in the highest category of physical activity versus the lowest level of physical activity in a pooled analysis of hazard ratios. That risk was also reduced by 22% and 15% in moderate and light categories of physical activity, compared with the lowest, respectively (Circulation. 2015 Oct 5. doi: 10.1161/circulationaha.115.015853). All differences were statistically significant.
Subgroup analysis showed similar correlations between high levels of physical activity and reduced heart failure risk even with different ages, sex, and geographic locations.
As measured quantitatively, participants who engaged in the minimal recommended level of physical activity (500 MET mins/week) had a 10% lower risk of heart failure, compared with no physical activity, a 19% lower risk with twice the recommended level of physical activity, and a 35% lower risk with four times the recommended level of physical activity), all statistically significant differences.
Dr. Berry continued in the press release, “If you look at the general population, we’ve had tremendous success in reducing coronary heart disease over the last 30 years. But heart failure rates have not declined enough. The findings from the present study suggest that higher levels of physical activity may help combat this growing burden of heart failure.”
The authors report no conflicts of interest. Dr. Berry received funding from the Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care endowment at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from the American Heart Association prevention network.
Dr. Berry received funding from the Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care endowment at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from the American Heart Association prevention network. The authors report no conflicts of interest.