Prevention

Physical Activity and Risk of Stroke

Regular physical activity reduces stroke risk

Download PP slides
on this study

The benefits of physical activity are usually linked to heart health. New data also links physical activity to reduced risk of a stroke¹. In the Nurses' Health Study, women who were most active had a 51% decrease in strokes compared to women who were inactive.

When looking specifically at walking, women who walked regularly for 3-4 hours per week cut their risk of stroke in half. Those who walked briskly to very briskly cut their risk even more, by two-thirds or a 69% decrease in risk.

Another study with men looking at physical activity and stroke risk should similar findings². The study included 16,878 men who were tested on a treadmill to determine their fitness level and were then followed for 10 years to see who would get a stroke and who wouldn't.

Here is what they found. Moderately fit men had a 63% decrease in stroke risk and highly fit men had a 68% decrease in mortality from stroke compared to unfit men. Notice that even moderate fitness was highly beneficial. You don't have to be an athlete to get good benefit from exercise. Moderate activities are highly beneficial.

Both of these studies show remarkable decreases in risk of stroke in those people who get regular physical activity. If you have a history of stroke in your family, start a regular, brisk walking program or other activities that improve cardiovascular fitness. It will help keep your heart and your brain in good health!

Prevention

Summary

Reference

References

Top

1. Hu FB, et al. Physical Activity and Stroke, JAMA Jun 14, 2000; 283:2961-67
2. Lee CD, Blair SN, Cardiorespiratory fitness and stroke mortality in men, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34:592-595, 2002

Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Updated: 2-27-03 DRH