Study links small lifestyle adjustments to reduced cardiovascular risk

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology analyzed data from over 53,000 middle-aged individuals in the United Kingdom to evaluate the impact of daily habits on cardiovascular health. Researchers from Australia, Chile, and Brazil used information from wearable devices and self-reported dietary data collected over an eight-year follow-up period. During this period, 2,034 severe cardiovascular events were recorded. The findings suggest that 11 additional minutes of sleep, 4.5 extra minutes of brisk walking, and 50 grams of additional vegetable consumption daily contribute to heart health. Furthermore, an ideal lifestyle identified by researchers includes 8 to 9 hours of sleep, a balanced diet, and at least 42 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. This combination is associated with a 57% lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The NHS classifies brisk walking, dancing, and cycling as moderate exercise, while running and swimming are categorized as vigorous activity.