Latest news with #Life'sEssential8
New York Post
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Why ‘Life's Essential 8' is the ‘roadmap' to living longer — and being healthier into old age
Cardiovascular disease doesn't just break hearts — it stops them. The nation's top killer claimed one in five American deaths in 2022, but experts say a few smart moves could keep your name off that list. 'Adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s seeking a roadmap for cardiovascular health are encouraged to look at the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8,' Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, told The Post. Advertisement 7 Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Reese Coop/ – But no matter your age, the path to a stronger heart is still wide open. 'Today is the day that you can get on track,' Tomey said. 'Even if you have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease that runs in your family, your choices still matter!' These are the eight essential steps to keep your ticker in top shape so that you can live a longer and healthier life. Advertisement #1: Improve your diet 'The more plants the better,' Dr. Sanjai Sinha, an internist at The Health Center at Hudson Yards, told The Post. 'The Mediterranean diet is the most effective diet with the best data.' That diet, shaped by the eating habits of 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, focuses on nutrient-packed whole grains, fresh produce, legumes, nuts, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and plenty of antioxidant-rich olive oil. The science backs it up: A 2023 analysis out of the University of Sydney found that women who followed the Mediterranean diet cut their risk of heart disease and early death by nearly 25%. Advertisement Other research suggests it lowers key risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 7 Certain foods can raise your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and contribute to inflammation. Monstar Studio – #2: Get moving 'The data behind exercise in reducing inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular risk, cancer, and dementia are all strong,' Sinha said. In fact, research suggests that a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for heart disease and stroke to levels on par with cigarette smoking. Advertisement Despite this, government data shows that only 28% of Americans are meeting the CDC's physical activity guidlines. 7 Even small amounts of exercise can give your heart health a major boost. bongkarn – The agency recommends that US adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week, plus two days of muscle-strengthening activities. 'Even if you can't 'exercise', movement regularly, including at least 5 minutes out of every 30 you're sitting in front of a screen, is crucial,' Sinha said. #3: Quit tobacco Tobacco use is trending down, but as of 2022, nearly 29 million Americans were still smoking cigarettes. The CDC estimates that smoking is to blame for 1 in 4 deaths rom cardiovascular disease — amounting to 140,000 lives lost each year to heart-related illness tied directly to cigarettes. 7 Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. emiphoto111 – Advertisement Studies show that smoking blood vessels, promotes dangerous plaque buildup in the arteries, reduces oxygen flow to vital organs, and drives up blood pressure, heart rate and clot risk. And it's not just smokers at risk — secondhand smoke exposure also increases the odds of major health problems like heart attack and stroke. #4: Get enough sleep Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye a night to stay sharp and protect their health. Advertisement But about a third of U.S. adults — and a staggering three-quarters of high schoolers — aren't getting enough sleep, according to the CDC. That can give your heart a big beating. 7 Not getting enough sleep will do more than leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Getty Images/iStockphoto Too little sleep can trigger a fight-or-flight response in the body, driving up heart rate and blood pressure. It also fuels inflammation and messes with hormones — both of which can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease. Advertisement 'See a doctor if you're having trouble getting to or staying asleep,' Sinha told The Post. It could be a sign that you have a sleep disorder, which can also negatively impact your heart health. #5: Manage your weight More than 2 in 5 US adults are living with obesity, along with 1 in 5 children and adolescents, according to the CDC. And it's not just a cosmetic concern. Excess weight puts a major strain on the heart, potentially leading to high blood pressure, plaque buildup, irregular heartbeat and other problems that can damage both the muscle and blood vessels. 7 Obesity rates have been steadily rising in the US in recent decades. Prostock-studio – Advertisement 'You will gain weight, and gain fat more than muscle, if you don't focus on eating well and exercising while you're in your forties and older,' Sinha warned. But too little weight isn't great for your heart either. The American Heart Association (AHA) considers a healthy BMI to be under 25 — and anything under 18.5 to be underweight. #6, 7 and 8: Control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels High cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar are silent killers — and all three are major drivers of heart disease. 7 Simple interventions, like high blood pressure medication, can make a big difference when it comes to your heart health. Natee Meepian – Left unchecked, they can damage the arteries that supply blood to your heart and brain, weaken the heart muscle and lead to deadly consequences. 'The key about these last 3 is that you have to get to your primary care doctor regularly to know what these numbers are,' Sinha said. And no, that doesn't mean urgent care. Unlike the first five lifestyle changes in the AHA's 'Life's Essential 8,' Sinha noted that these three risk factors can often be addressed quickly with medication while you work on long-term fixes. 'These 3 factors, when uncontrolled, will lead to a shortened lifespan through increased risk for diabetes, heart attacks and strokes,' he said. 'They will also play a role in increasing your risk for cancer,' Sinha added.
Associated Press
01-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Break the sedentary cycle: National Walking Day can kickstart healthier routines
( NewMediaWire) - April 01, 2025 - DALLAS — Sedentary behavior has become a national health crisis, with 1 in 4 U.S. adults sitting for more than eight hours a day, increasing their risk for heart disease, stroke, and mental health challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help people move more, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, invites communities nationwide to walk together on Wednesday, April 2. Adopting healthier routines doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming according to Eduardo Sanchez MD, MPH, FAHA, the Association's chief medical officer for prevention. Routine walks can be a simple yet powerful way to break the cycle of sedentary behavior. 'Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve both physical and mental well-being,' said Sanchez. 'Even small steps can lead to big changes. By making movement a part of your day — whether that's walking your dog, picking parking spot a little further away from the entrance, or strolling with family — you're investing in your heart health and improving your overall wellness.' To make the most of National Walking Day, consider these tips: Invite friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk. Take a conference call on the move if you work remotely. Bring your pet along—it's great for both of you! Share your walk on social media using #NationalWalkingDay to inspire others. Take a family stroll after dinner to wind down for the evening. If walking isn't accessible for you, consider seated exercises or gentle stretching to stay active. Regular physical activity, such as walking, is one of the most effective ways to improve overall health and is also a key component of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8(TM), a collection of the most critical factors for achieving optimal cardiovascular health. The Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or gardening, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as running or aerobic dancing. Additionally, two days of moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities, such as resistance training, are recommended weekly. For practical tips and inspiration to build healthier habits, visit the Association's Healthy for Good(TM) initiative at Additional Resources: The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Habits That Could Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to a New Study
Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RDA new study published in JAMA Network Open found a connection between dementia risk and seven heart-healthy habits. Habits like eating a balanced diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can support heart and cognitive health. Those who followed the habits closely had 19% lower levels of a biomarker of brain and heart are closely related—what affects one often affects the other. We've previously reported on how certain heart conditions can influence brain health. In that study, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary heart disease were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers surmised that one of the connecting factors could be inflammation. To continue searching for the connections, researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and the University of California delved deeper, wondering if there was any association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and biomarkers of neurodegeneration. A handy framework of heart-healthy habits from the American Heart Association helped them gauge CVH among adults over the age of 65. They published their findings on March 11, 2025, in JAMA Network Open—here's what they found. Related: The #1 Drink to Limit to Reduce Dementia Risk, According to Dietitians Researchers took their data from a previous long-term study called the Chicago Health and Aging Project, which was conducted from 1993 to 2012. While the total CHAP cohort included 10,802 men and women aged 65 and older, these researchers used data from just 1,018 CHAP participants. Those participants had the extra information researchers needed, which included bloodwork that measured two biomarkers of neurodegeneration: neurofilament light chain (NfL) and total tau (t-tau). Participants had an average age of 73, and about 61% were female and 60% were black. Approximately 35% of the participants carried at least one gene variant that increases the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Demographic information was collected, including age, sex, race, BMI, education level and medical history. Depressive symptoms were measured using a validated scale. Cognitive activity was assessed based on their participation in certain activities, including reading, writing letters, visiting the library and playing games like chess and checkers. Each participant was given a cardiovascular health score based on the American Heart Association's Simple 7, a list of seven habits or health factors that affect your heart health. The seven include: Eating better Getting physically active Maintaining a healthy weight Not smoking Managing blood pressure Controlling cholesterol Reducing blood sugar In 2022, the AHA began using Life's Essential 8, which adds getting high-quality sleep to the list of habits. The original seven habits were assessed through a variety of questionnaires, plus reporting preexisting medical conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Researchers also took participants' blood pressure every three years during follow-up visits. The CVH score for each participant ranged from 0 to 14, with higher scores indicating better cardiovascular health. Blood samples were assessed for the concentration of NfL or t-tau concentrations. Everyone has these biomarkers, but the more either of these biomarkers is present, the higher the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, which include Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy and Friedreich's ataxia. Related: The #1 Habit to Help Prevent Dementia, According to a New Study After running several statistical analyses, researchers found that a higher CVH score was associated with a lower serum concentration of NfL. They also found that compared with participants with the lowest CVH scores (0 to 6 points), those with the highest CVH scores (10 to 14) had about 19% lower serum levels of NfL. Over time, participants with a CVH score of 0 to 6 points had an annual rate of increase in NfL of just over 7%, and those with a CVH score of 10 to 14 points had an annual rate of increase in NfL of just over 5%. Researchers found that these associations held true independently of age, sex and race. As for t-tau, researchers found no association between blood levels of t-tau and CVH. Related: 8 Things You Shouldn't Do When Trying to Prevent Cognitive Decline This study suggests that a healthy diet, regular exercise, healthy BMI, nonsmoking status and the absence of high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (i.e., high cholesterol and triglycerides) and diabetes are associated with lower serum levels of NfL, a biomarker of neurodegeneration. We've long reported on the connections between lifestyle and heart and brain health. Diet, physical activity, managing your stressors and getting plenty of quality sleep are top factors that, in turn, influence other factors—like weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy can be one of the trickiest things to figure out, especially with lots of conflicting information out there. If you want some guidance, we encourage you to meet with a registered dietitian who can offer individualized attention. Or consider one of our dietitian-curated meal plans for healthy aging and brain health, like our Simple 7-Day Cognitive Health Meal Plan or our 30-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Healthy Aging. Related: The Best Protein for Better Brain Health, According to Dietitians This study suggests there is a connection between a biomarker related to neurodegeneration and certain health factors. While we all have some level of NfL in our blood, higher levels of it place you at an increased risk of conditions like dementia. To keep levels low, eat a balanced and varied diet, engage in regular physical activity, manage your stress, get plenty of quality sleep, try to stop smoking and keep track of health metrics, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. And, because loneliness has been linked with a higher risk of dementia, be sure to set aside time to spend with friends and family. Related: Cancer Rates Are on the Rise for Young People–Can Diet & Lifestyle Choices Lower the Risk? Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Walking, moving more may lower risk of cardiovascular death for women with cancer history
Research Highlights: Increased physical activity including taking more daily steps was linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal women with a history of cancer. The study found that engaging in one hour per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced participants' risk of death from any cause by 40% and risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 60%. Each additional 2,500 steps per day for a participant was associated with a 34% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET, Sunday March 9, 2025 This news release contains updated information from the researcher that was not in the abstract and will be referenced in the oral presentation. ( NewMediaWire) - March 09, 2025 - NEW ORLEANS — Among postmenopausal women with a history of cancer, taking more daily steps and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were both associated with a significantly reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting will be held in New Orleans, March 6-9, 2025, and features the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle. Physical activity is a key component of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, a list of health behaviors and factors that support optimal cardiovascular health. The Association currently recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as walking or gardening) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity (such as running or swimming), or a combination of both. Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a 2019 scientific statement from the Association. The statement also noted that exercise training is an essential part of cardiac rehabilitation and recovery after cancer treatment, and that exercise therapy can help to reduce cardiovascular toxicity during cancer treatment. 'Encouraging cancer survivors to be more active, sit less and take more steps every day could be a feasible approach for prolonging survivorship and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality,' said lead study author Eric Hyde, Ph.D., M.P.H., a research analyst at the University of California, San Diego. 'Our study helps us to better understand potential physical activity behaviors of postmenopausal women in relation to cancer survival.' Researchers examined physical activity data from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration, a study combining two observational studies exploring the relationship among physical activity and sedentary behavior with cancer incidence and death. They assessed the potential associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with death from cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality (death from any cause). The study followed for about eight years nearly 2,500 post-menopausal women between the ages of 63 and 99 years. The analysis included participants diagnosed with breast or other cancers at least one year before enrolling in the studies. Participants wore an accelerometer on the hip for at least 10 hours per day for up to one week. The device recorded daily physical activity, including light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity and step counts. It also recorded sedentary behavior including total sitting time during awake hours. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, various lifestyle and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer type and years since cancer diagnosis, the study found: More daily steps and more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with a progressively lower risk of all-cause mortality. The greatest benefit was seen among participants who logged 5,000–6,000 steps per day, and their risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 40%. Each additional 2,500 steps per day was also incrementally associated with a 34% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The greatest benefit from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was seen among participants with at least one hour per day, which reduced all-cause mortality risk by 40% and cardiovascular disease mortality risk by 60%. However, significant reductions in risk were also evident at amounts far below one hour per day, researchers noted. Every 102-minutes of sitting time per day was associated with a 12% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 30% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. 'Risk reductions were even evident when participants walked fewer than 5,000 steps per day, half of the often touted 10,000 steps per day threshold,' Hyde said. 'Daily steps are an important measure because they are easily understood by the public, can be at any intensity level and are recorded on wearable devices like smartwatches that are increasingly being worn by all.' Keith Diaz, Ph.D., the Florence Irving Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, a certified exercise physiologist and a member of the Association's Physical Activity Science Committee, noted that the study's findings add to the understanding of how to manage health and promote longevity after a cancer diagnosis. 'While structured exercise remains the most efficient and effective way to improve your health, these findings highlight that walking—at any intensity—matters. The road to an active lifestyle is more accessible than we often assume, and the benefits are available to everyone, including people navigating life after cancer,' said Diaz, who was not involved in the study. 'Another key takeaway from this study is the impact of sedentary time. Many adults now spend the majority of their day sitting, not engaged in physical activity, and for cancer survivors, this issue is likely even more pronounced due to the physical toll of cancer treatment and recovery. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that prolonged sitting is a significant health risk—one that we must actively combat, particularly after a cancer diagnosis.' Study details, background and design: The analysis included 2,479 women with a history of cancer, with an average age of 74 years. 52% of the study participants had a history of breast cancer; 8.5%, endometrial cancer; 7.1%, malignant melanoma; 6.6%, colon cancer; 3.0%, lung cancer; 2.1%, bladder cancer; 2.1%, rectal cancer; 2.1%, ovarian cancer; 1.7%, kidney cancer; 0.9%, head and neck cancer; 0.7%, myeloma; and 13% had a cancer that was categorized as 'other.' Data was from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration, a consortium of two studies (the Women's Health Initiative and the Women's Health Study) conducted between 2011 and 2015. The follow-up period to evaluate health outcomes was conducted through the end of 2022. Daily accelerometer physical activity measures included light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity and steps. Examples of light physical activity included housework or slow walking, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity included brisk walking, running, bike riding, playing tennis and heavy yardwork. The study had several limitations, including lack of data regarding cancer stage at diagnosis and treatment, and physical activity was measured only once after cancer diagnosis. 'In future studies, physical activity should be measured at several critical time points, such as before cancer diagnosis, during treatment and after treatment, to clarify how these changes in behavior may relate to survival,' Hyde said. Oral Presentation 060 in Session 10A Physical Activity is Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Co-authors, their disclosures and funding sources listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are here. The American Heart Association's EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025 is the world's premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in population-based science. The meeting is Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. The primary goal of the meeting is to promote the development and application of translational and population science to prevent heart disease and stroke and foster cardiovascular health. The sessions focus on risk factors, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, subclinical disease, clinical disease, healthy populations, global health, and prevention-oriented clinical trials. The Councils on Epidemiology and Prevention and Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (Lifestyle) jointly planned the EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025. Follow the conference on X at #EPILifestyle25. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walking, moving more may lower risk of cardiovascular death for women with cancer history
Research Highlights: Increased physical activity including taking more daily steps was linked to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal women with a history of cancer. The study found that engaging in one hour per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced participants' risk of death from any cause by 40% and risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 60%. Each additional 2,500 steps per day for a participant was associated with a 34% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET, Sunday March 9, 2025 This news release contains updated information from the researcher that was not in the abstract and will be referenced in the oral presentation. (NewMediaWire) - March 09, 2025 - NEW ORLEANS Among postmenopausal women with a history of cancer, taking more daily steps and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were both associated with a significantly reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting will be held in New Orleans, March 6-9, 2025, and features the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle. Physical activity is a key component of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, a list of health behaviors and factors that support optimal cardiovascular health. The Association currently recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as walking or gardening) or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity (such as running or swimming), or a combination of both. Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a 2019 scientific statement from the Association. The statement also noted that exercise training is an essential part of cardiac rehabilitation and recovery after cancer treatment, and that exercise therapy can help to reduce cardiovascular toxicity during cancer treatment. "Encouraging cancer survivors to be more active, sit less and take more steps every day could be a feasible approach for prolonging survivorship and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality," said lead study author Eric Hyde, Ph.D., M.P.H., a research analyst at the University of California, San Diego. "Our study helps us to better understand potential physical activity behaviors of postmenopausal women in relation to cancer survival." Researchers examined physical activity data from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration, a study combining two observational studies exploring the relationship among physical activity and sedentary behavior with cancer incidence and death. They assessed the potential associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with death from cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality (death from any cause). The study followed for about eight years nearly 2,500 post-menopausal women between the ages of 63 and 99 years. The analysis included participants diagnosed with breast or other cancers at least one year before enrolling in the studies. Participants wore an accelerometer on the hip for at least 10 hours per day for up to one week. The device recorded daily physical activity, including light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity and step counts. It also recorded sedentary behavior including total sitting time during awake hours. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, various lifestyle and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer type and years since cancer diagnosis, the study found: More daily steps and more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with a progressively lower risk of all-cause mortality. The greatest benefit was seen among participants who logged 5,0006,000 steps per day, and their risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 40%. Each additional 2,500 steps per day was also incrementally associated with a 34% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The greatest benefit from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was seen among participants with at least one hour per day, which reduced all-cause mortality risk by 40% and cardiovascular disease mortality risk by 60%. However, significant reductions in risk were also evident at amounts far below one hour per day, researchers noted. Every 102-minutes of sitting time per day was associated with a 12% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 30% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. "Risk reductions were even evident when participants walked fewer than 5,000 steps per day, half of the often touted 10,000 steps per day threshold," Hyde said. "Daily steps are an important measure because they are easily understood by the public, can be at any intensity level and are recorded on wearable devices like smartwatches that are increasingly being worn by all." Keith Diaz, Ph.D., the Florence Irving Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, a certified exercise physiologist and a member of the Association's Physical Activity Science Committee, noted that the study's findings add to the understanding of how to manage health and promote longevity after a cancer diagnosis. "While structured exercise remains the most efficient and effective way to improve your health, these findings highlight that walkingat any intensitymatters. The road to an active lifestyle is more accessible than we often assume, and the benefits are available to everyone, including people navigating life after cancer," said Diaz, who was not involved in the study. "Another key takeaway from this study is the impact of sedentary time. Many adults now spend the majority of their day sitting, not engaged in physical activity, and for cancer survivors, this issue is likely even more pronounced due to the physical toll of cancer treatment and recovery. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that prolonged sitting is a significant health riskone that we must actively combat, particularly after a cancer diagnosis." Study details, background and design: The analysis included 2,479 women with a history of cancer, with an average age of 74 years. 52% of the study participants had a history of breast cancer; 8.5%, endometrial cancer; 7.1%, malignant melanoma; 6.6%, colon cancer; 3.0%, lung cancer; 2.1%, bladder cancer; 2.1%, rectal cancer; 2.1%, ovarian cancer; 1.7%, kidney cancer; 0.9%, head and neck cancer; 0.7%, myeloma; and 13% had a cancer that was categorized as "other." Data was from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration, a consortium of two studies (the Women's Health Initiative and the Women's Health Study) conducted between 2011 and 2015. The follow-up period to evaluate health outcomes was conducted through the end of 2022. Daily accelerometer physical activity measures included light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity and steps. Examples of light physical activity included housework or slow walking, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity included brisk walking, running, bike riding, playing tennis and heavy yardwork. The study had several limitations, including lack of data regarding cancer stage at diagnosis and treatment, and physical activity was measured only once after cancer diagnosis. "In future studies, physical activity should be measured at several critical time points, such as before cancer diagnosis, during treatment and after treatment, to clarify how these changes in behavior may relate to survival," Hyde their disclosures and funding sources listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link. Spanish news release After March 6, 2025, view the abstract for Oral Presentation 060 on the conference repository for Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2025 Online Program Planner. AHA news release: For older adults, every 500 additional steps taken daily associated with lower heart risk (March 2023) AHA news release: Taking more steps daily may lead to a longer life | American Heart Association (March 2021) AHA health resource: American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids AHA scientific statement: Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation to Manage Cardiovascular Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors For more news from AHA EPI Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025, follow us on X @HeartNews, #EPILifestyle25. ### The American Heart Association's EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025 is the world's premier meeting dedicated to the latest advances in population-based science. The meeting is Thursday through Sunday, March 6-9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. The primary goal of the meeting is to promote the development and application of translational and population science to prevent heart disease and stroke and foster cardiovascular health. The sessions focus on risk factors, obesity, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, metabolism, biomarkers, subclinical disease, clinical disease, healthy populations, global health, and prevention-oriented clinical trials. The Councils on Epidemiology and Prevention and Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health (Lifestyle) jointly planned the EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2025. Follow the conference on X at #EPILifestyle25. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA Expert Perspective: AHA Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: 214-706-1173; ahacommunications@ John Arnst: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and Sign in to access your portfolio
