A recent meta-analysis has confirmed that aerobic exercise can significantly reduce the risk of early death from any cause, particularly heart disease. The study, led by Grant Tomkinson, PhD, analyzed 26 systematic reviews involving 20.9 million observations from unique cohort studies. Researchers found that for every additional 1-MET exerted via aerobic exercise, the risk of all-cause death decreased by 11-17% and the risk of heart failure lowered by up to 18%. The results of this study were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, or the ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen during physical activity, is an important measure of overall health. Aerobic exercise is key to maintaining this fitness level, with various heart-pumping activities recommended to strengthen it. Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, explained that a strong, healthy heart is essential for optimal organ and tissue function, as it provides oxygen and maintains blood flow throughout the body. Exercise can also help control cholesterol levels, prevent heart attacks and strokes, and reduce the risk of hypertension, ultimately leading to longevity and improved quality of life.
In addition to heart health benefits, regular physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of cancers, dementia, depression, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Justin J. Lang, lead study author, stressed the importance of consulting a healthcare provider or fitness professional for personalized advice on gauging cardio fitness levels. While self-assessment methods can provide valuable insights, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or new to exercise, a comprehensive assessment is recommended to receive tailored recommendations.
Different individuals may respond differently to physical activities based on genetics, age, sex, overall health status, and lifestyle factors. Athletes may require high-intensity, frequent exercise sessions to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, while beginners may benefit from low-intensity, shorter workouts a few times a week. It’s important to note that any physical activity is better than none, and finding what works best for each person is key to maintaining a sustainable exercise routine.
While the study excluded athletes with extremely high-performance levels, the findings showed benefits in all-cause mortality and death for individuals who achieved less than 1-MET. Lang emphasized the importance of exploring different exercise options and finding what works best for each individual. Consulting with a physician before starting a new exercise regimen, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or new to exercise, is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy in improving cardiorespiratory fitness levels.
Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for overall health, longevity, and disease prevention. Aerobic exercise is a foundational component of achieving and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness, which plays a significant role in reducing the risk of early death from all causes, particularly heart disease. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can improve circulation, control cholesterol levels, prevent heart attacks and strokes, and enhance the body’s ability to respond to stressors, ultimately leading to improved quality of life and longevity.
