560 to 610 minutes weekly exercise could significantly lower cardiovascular risk
A study using UK Biobank data found adults doing 560–610 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise weekly had over 30% lower cardiovascular risk, while current WHO guidelines of 150 minutes linked to just 8–9% reduction. Researchers suggest personalized exercise targets may be needed, as fitness levels influenced required activity volume for optimal heart protection.
A new analysis of over 17,000 UK Biobank participants revealed that adults achieving 560 to 610 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous exercise reduced their cardiovascular disease risk by more than 30% compared to inactive individuals. The study, published in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine*, found current World Health Organization guidelines of 150 minutes weekly only cut risk by 8–9%, regardless of fitness level. Researchers tracked activity via wrist-based devices for seven days and measured cardiorespiratory fitness using VO2 max tests. Participants, averaging 57 years old with 56% female and 96% white, were followed for nearly eight years, during which over 1,200 cardiovascular events—including heart attacks, strokes, and atrial fibrillation—were recorded. The findings highlight that less fit individuals may need significantly more exercise to match the heart benefits of fitter peers. For example, those with lower VO2 max required closer to 600 minutes weekly to achieve comparable protection against heart disease. Lead authors propose future exercise recommendations should differentiate between minimum health benefits and optimal cardiovascular protection. The data suggests a one-size-fits-all approach may not suffice, as personalized targets could better address individual fitness levels and risk factors. The study accounted for variables like smoking, alcohol intake, BMI, resting heart rate, and blood pressure to isolate exercise’s direct impact. Results underscore the potential for tailored physical activity plans to maximize heart health outcomes across diverse populations.
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