Moderate exercise offers significant heart health benefits for women, even with as little as 140 minutes of activity per week, according to new research released in time for International Wear Red Day on February 6th. men require considerably more physical activity to achieve a similar reduction in risk.
The findings reinforce the message of the global Go Red for Women campaign: regular, moderate exercise is a powerful way for women to protect their hearts. The american Heart Association and the German Heart Foundation are increasing their outreach efforts considering these results.
Why Women’s Hearts Face Unique Risks
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet the risks are often underestimated. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- women’s hearts are often smaller and stiffer.
- Heart attack symptoms can be atypical, presenting as nausea or back pain.
- Hormonal changes after menopause increase risk.
These factors frequently led to misdiagnosis or delayed emergency calls. This year’s awareness campaigns emphasize educating women about these critical differences.