Home / Health / New Study: 10 Hours Weekly Needed for Heart Benefits
New Study: 10 Hours Weekly Needed for Heart Benefits
20 May
Summary
- Two-thirds meet NHS exercise targets but may still be insufficient.
- Scientists suggest 10 hours of weekly exercise for significant heart benefits.
- Higher exercise volumes significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Current NHS exercise recommendations may fall short of providing adequate heart health benefits, according to new research. A study involving over 17,000 UK adults indicates that while two-thirds meet the recommended two-and-a-half hours of weekly exercise, this amount offers only a modest reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature death.
Scientists from Macao Polytechnic University propose that adults should aim for approximately 10 hours of exercise per week to see a significant impact on cardiovascular health. This recommendation is four times higher than the current guideline, with the study finding that individuals achieving a 30% or greater reduction in serious heart conditions exercised between 560 and 610 minutes weekly. Achieving these substantial benefits requires moderate-to-vigorous physical activity volumes significantly exceeding minimum recommendations. Individuals with lower fitness levels may require even more activity to attain comparable health improvements.
