Heart Disease Reduced In Couch Potatoes Exercising Later in Life

A scientific study developed at the University of Heidelberg in Germany found that it is never too late to start exercising and lead a healthy life, as these beneficial actions will decrease risk of heart disorders even in elder couch potatoes. All they have to do is to leave the comfortable place of laziness and start moving around and be more active.

The research investigated both people that have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease and people whose hearts functioned properly. They all had the same age. Individuals that have been exercising all throughout their lives presented the lowest risk of further developing heart impairments, but people that started leading a more active life at an older age are also likely to prevent or decrease symptoms of heart disease.

"You don't have to go to the gym. Just get off the couch. It is never too late to start exercising," said Dr. Dietrich Rothenbacher, leader of the research.

The study showed that people that have been active and exercising all their lives had a 60% lower risk to develop heart disorders. Also, those that began exercising after the age of 40 were 55 % less likely to suffer later in life from heart impairment as compared to those leading a completely unhealthy and inactive life.

"Our results suggest that a more active physical activity pattern is clearly associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, and that changing from a sedentary to a more physically active lifestyle even in later adulthood may strongly decrease CHD risk," Dr. Dietrich Rothenbacher stated in the report published in the Heart journal.

Supporting the opinion of the German scientists, Alison Shaw, spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation, declared for BBC News that it is better to try preventing heart disease at an early age than later: "The earlier you adopt a more physically active lifestyle, the bigger the rewards will be on your heart, helping to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease in later life. So don't wait until you reach 40 to get active." However, she added that it is never too late: "You are never too old to start being active, but people who are unaccustomed to physical activity and not sure of what activity is right for them should discuss it with their GP."