Fitness Helps Men Avoid Stroke

Source: Tufts University
June 20, 2002 (Reviewed: June 29, 2004)

The Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas can take some of the credit for spurring the aerobic exercise craze that started in the 1970s. Based on their studies, and related work by other investigators, researchers from the clinic promote the health benefits aerobic exercises - like running and walking - that help keep the cardiovascular system in shape. Their latest findings, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, show that men who are physically fit are less likely to die from a stroke than men who are not as physically fit.

What was done

Over 16,000 healthy, middle-age and elderly men provided investigators with information about their health habits including smoking status, alcohol consumption, and medical history. Each underwent a physical exam and blood tests to measure blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the presence of diabetes or other disease, and amount of body fat. Fitness levels were determined by performance on a treadmill test, in which volunteers walked or jogged as fast and as long as they could. The treadmill results (and age) were used to categorize the participants according to low, medium, and high levels of fitness. The researchers then kept track of the men for the next 10 years, noting which members of the group suffered a stroke during that time.

Fitness benefits

Being physically fit decreased the risk of death from a stroke among the volunteers. In fact, the men in the "high-fit" and "moderately-fit" groups were more than 60% less likely to die from a stroke than those in the "low-fit" group. This was even after considering other stroke risk factors including age, smoking status, drinking habits, the presence of high blood pressure and diabetes, and family history of cardiovascular disease.

Fit in time each day to get fit

Exactly how physical fitness protects against stroke is not completely clear. However, it is well established that exercise has numerous health benefits including decreasing body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all of which may also lower stroke risk. Public health officials recommend moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes, on most - and preferably all - days of the week. Everyday activities such as walking around the block, washing the car by hand, or doing yard work all fit into the moderate activity category and contribute to the 30-minute goal.

Add other healthful habits

To reduce stroke risk even more, combine exercise with other healthful habits. If you're a smoker, stop. And, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and limit your intake of salt and fat - especially saturated fat from meat and whole-fat dairy products.

Source

• Cardiorespiratory fitness and stroke mortality in men.  Chong Do Lee, SN. Blair, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2002, vol. 34, pp. 592--595

Related Links
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