It is well known that as the person ages, the risk of heart attack increases.

But now, Harvard researchers have demonstrated that maintaining physical activity over the age of 65 can preserve the health of the heart for a long time.

The research team, led by Dr. Luisa Soares-Miranda of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, conducted an interesting work together with colleagues from the University of Porto (Portugal).

More information about its results can be found in the Circulation publication of the American Heart Association.

Scientists observed a group of 985 elderly people included in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a large study in which people over 65 years of age participated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The average age of the participants was 71 years.

They were asked to periodically wear a cardiac monitor 24 hours a day, the observation continued for 5 years. At this time, heart rate variability was recorded and other key indicators.

According to Dr. Soares-Miranda, the differences depended mainly on the state of the heart and the work of the nervous system, which regulates the heart rhythm.

"The early anomalies in this system are represented by changes in the heart rate, and these changes predict the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiac death in the future," explains the researcher..

Physical activity reduces the risk of heart attack by 11% The team found that the more active participants were during the study, the less was the variability of their heart rate.

People who increased their physical activity during observation - began to travel long distances during the day - had better indices compared with those who reduced their physical activity during this period.

After calculating the difference between the highest and the lowest level of physical activity, the researchers concluded that in active people the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death is lowered by an average of 11%.

Dr. Soares-Miranda says that any type of physical activity is better than nothing.. The results of the research show that the older we become, the more important it is for us to move.

"Our results also suggest that these positive changes may come to naught if you reduce physical activity. Therefore, if such activity is comfortable for you, do not slow down the pace as you age - try to walk additional meters along the street. If you are inactive, it's never too late to start, "she said..

Last year, foreign publications have already told similar conclusions of British scientists. Then, the staff of University College London for 8 years, watched 3,500 people between the ages of 55 to 75 years. They found that "healthy elderly" - people who survived to a venerable age without serious chronic diseases, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairments - most often led an active lifestyle.

Doirienne Maddock, an expert in the care of cardiac patients from the British Health Foundation, believes that it's never too late to start practicing. But she adds that the sooner you do this, the better.

"It is worthwhile to develop a habit of constantly moving, as this reduces the risk of heart disease, as well as many other health problems. Every 10 minutes of activity is important, so instead of standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus, it's worth walking a couple of blocks. Even this will be beneficial, "says Maddock..

medbe. en.