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Flat Rock, North Carolina, Appalachian Mountains, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. (Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group, Getty Images)

We’ve all heard the widespread recommendation to achieve 10,000 steps per day. optimal healthHowever, some groups, such as women over 60, may not need as much.

That’s according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Cardiology, which found that women between the ages of 63 and 99 only need an average of 3,600 steps a day to lose weight. heart failure risk Increased by 26%.

”[This was] “We took into account age, racial and ethnic differences, and clinical factors known to increase the risk of heart failure,” said lead author Michael, a research professor of epidemiology and environmental health in the UB School of Public Health.・Dr. J. Lamonte said. said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Heart health risk factors for women over 50: ‘Don’t ignore new symptoms,’ experts warn

“This is much less than the often targeted goal of 10,000 steps per day,” he noted.

Researchers at the University at Buffalo, New York, observed 6,000 American women between the ages of 63 and 99, collecting data on physical activity, sedentary time, and heart health.

Over 7.5 years, 407 cases of heart failure occurred in this group.

Risk decreases by 12% to 17% for every 70 minutes of light activity (such as housework, self-care, and other daily tasks) and 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity (such as climbing stairs, yard work, and walking) It turned out to be. or jogging).

Researchers found that for every 90 minutes of sedentary time, the risk of heart failure increased by 17%.

To measure physical activity, participants wore a tracking device on their hips for one week.

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“Even mild activities such as daily living and walking appear to be associated with a lower risk of heart failure in older women,” Professor Lamonte said.

“Our data therefore suggest that the amount and intensity of physical activity is lower than currently recommended. public health The guidelines may help prevent heart failure later in life. ”

This study evaluated the risk of two different types of heart failure, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

In this condition, also known as diastolic heart failure, the heart muscle contracts normally, but the left ventricle remains stiff and the heart does not fill properly with blood, according to the American Heart Association website.

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“HFpEF is the most common form of heart failure in older women and racial/ethnic minorities, and there are currently few established treatment options, making primary prevention even more important. “There are,” LaMonte told Fox News Digital.

“This type of heart failure is becoming more and more common. common in womenolder adults, and racial minority groups,” LaMonte told FOX News Digital.

“Unfortunately, there are currently no established treatments to treat this heart failure subtype, making its prevention even more important. It is expected that women will outnumber men in the 80+ age group in the coming decades.” Its relevance will only increase as the population ages.”

Professor Ramonte added: “Light intensity activities in daily life may contribute to the prevention of HFpEF.” older woman This is an exciting and promising result for future studies to evaluate in other groups, including older men. ”

Heart health risk factors for women over 50: ‘Don’t ignore new symptoms,’ experts warn

The risk of heart failure, including HFpEF, was “significantly reduced” at around 2,500 steps per day, the statement said.

At 3,600 steps, the risk decreased by 25% to 30%.

Potential limitations

The study had several limitations, the lead researcher noted.

“Observational study designs require caution in interpreting causality based on associated results,” LaMonte told Fox News Digital.

“While we only had one accelerometer measurement, repeated measurements would be desirable as activity habits may change during follow-up.”

Also, the researchers did not have new biomarkers for heart damage or volume overload, which would have allowed for a more detailed analysis of activities that may lower the risk of heart failure, he said. Ta.

“Our friends are older women after menopauseTherefore, other studies need to confirm these results in men and younger adults,” LaMonte said.

The importance of exercise for older women

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at Vital Solutions, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals, was not involved in the study. However, it did point out the importance of physical activity for heart health.

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”regular exercise “It helps improve cardiovascular health by improving peripheral circulation, improving vascular tone, and controlling comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia,” he told Fox News Digital. told.

“It’s important to stay mentally and physically active, especially if you’re over 50.”

Ideally, senior women should aim for a combination of aerobic exercise and weightlifting on a regular basis, Sarwar says.

For people over 50, he warned that high-impact exercise such as running can lead to overuse injuries.

“Low-impact activities such as cycling, walking, swimming and yoga are very beneficial,” he recommended.

For people who haven’t exercised in a while, Sarwar says it’s important to: see a doctor This is to make sure you are healthy enough to start a fitness program.

“Once you decide you’re healthy enough to exercise, we recommend starting slow and building up gradually,” he said. “In some cases, it may be helpful to hire a personal trainer or join a gym with an exercise physiologist.”

Lamonte added: “The simple message for older adults is: sit less and move more.”

Moving around the house, providing care, and walking are beneficial sources of exercise for patients. cardiovascular health Later in life he said:

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“People who are capable of and interested in moderate-intensity exercise are likely to see greater benefits. But exercise doesn’t have to be flashy or planned. ” he says.

“Be active in your daily life, stop sitting for long periods of time and try to walk a little.”

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