Physical activity after having a first heart attack has been shown to lower the risk of death or a second heart attack, according to a new study from the University of Texas. This was true regardless of the severity of the heart attack and regardless of the presence of other risk factors such as high cholesterol and smoking.

Studying more than 400 survivors of a first heart attack for 2 to 7 years, the researchers found that those who had been active and who maintained their activity level after their heart attack had a 79% and 89% lower risk of death, respectively, than did patients who remained sedentary. Those who increased their activity level had a 78% lower risk of having another heart attack.

Sources:

• AHA. Staying active ups odds of staying alive after 1st heart attack. Press release, Oct. 30, 2000.
• Steffen-Batey L, Nichaman MZ, Goff DC, et al. Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, Oct. 31, 2000.