Exercise and Heart Disease

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Many wonder what is best to fight heart disease, exercising or maintaining a healthy weight. This controversy has many researchers talking and trying to find an answer to please everyone.

Steven Blair, PED, who is a researcher from the University of South Carolina, is a longtime proponent of what is called the ‘fit and fat’ theory. He tested over 10,000 people using a treadmill exercise test and found that indeed the level of physical activity is an important factor in determining the risk of cardiovascular disease. This was actually found to be more important than other factors such as weight, age, cholesterol level and systolic blood pressure or fasting blood glucose levels. He concluded that if you are more physically fit, you are at a lower risk for dying from a heart attack.

But of course, it’s not that easy. A study published in the April 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine challenges Blair’s theory. Researchers from several hospitals and the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study with over 38,000 women to evaluate the joint effect of exercise and body mass index (BMI) on risk for heart disease. They found that exercise only lowered the risk of heart disease in women that were considered overweight or obese and it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk.

The researchers recommended being ‘lean and physically active’ would maximize the reduction of risk of heart disease. It doesn’t eliminate the risk all together, because of course weight still matters.

So despite the difference of opinion, exercise plays a large role in reducing heart disease. So, don’t just sit there and munch away, start moving. Whether it’s biking, hiking, or just taking the dog out for a walk, the important thing to remember is to get moving.

Dr. Daisy (aka Dr. Mommy) is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife to a loving and supporting husband and home school mom to 5 beautiful children. She is a speaker, blogger and freelance writer that devotes her time to educate the public on the importance of nutrition and their health.

For more insight on her love of health and nutrition you can visit her Healthy Nutrition Hints Blog. http://healthynutritionhints.com

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