Title: Walking in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease
1Walking in the Prevention of Coronary Heart
Disease
- Prepared by
- Don Hall, DrPH, CHES
- A Presentation of LifeLong Health
2Physical Activity Level and Risk of Heart Attack
Relative Risk
- Nurses Health Study, 72,488 women followed for 8
years - The risk of heart attack decreased with
increasing levels of physical activity - Heart attack risk dropped over 50 in the most
active women (top 20 compared to bottom 20)
NEJM, p.650, Aug. 26, 99
Little activity High activity
3Relative Risk of Heart Attack by Quintile of
Physical Activity and Smoking Status
Relative Risk
Least active Most active Physical
Activity Level
NEJM, Aug. 26, 99
4Relative Risk of Heart Attack by Quintile of
Physical Activity and Body Mass Index
Relative Risk
Least active Most
active Physical Activity Level
NEJM, Aug. 26, 99
5Relative Risk of Heart Attack by Quintile of
Physical Activity and Family History of CHD
Relative Risk
Least active Most active Physical
Activity Level
NEJM, Aug. 26, 99
6Walking Pace and Relative Risk of a Heart Attack
- Walking pace was another important determinant of
risk of heart attack - Women who walked at a moderate pace reduced risk
by 25 - Women who walked briskly reduced risk by 36
NEJM, Aug. 26, 99
7Summary
- In this study, the reduction in risk of heart
attack from brisk walking or vigorous activity
were similar when total energy expenditures were
similar - Women who walk briskly for 3 or more hours per
week can reduce their risk of a heart attack by
30 to 40 - The researchers concluded that, one-third of
coronary events (heart attacks) among middle-aged
women in the United States are attributable to
physical inactivity
NEJM, Aug. 26, 99
8Walking is Good Medicine
- When the weather will permit, all who can
possibly do so ought to walk in the open air
every day, summer and winter. - A walk, even in winter, would be more beneficial
to the health than all medicine the doctors may
prescribe.
E.G. White, Counsels on Health, page 53, 1870