Adults who develop heart disease often show a steady drop in physical activity starting about 12 years before diagnosis, with low activity levels continuing thereafter, according to a July 23 study published in JAMA Cardiology.
Researchers analyzed 34 years of data from more than 3,000 participants in the study, tracking moderate to vigorous exercise using self-reported questionnaires. Activity declined most sharply in those who developed heart failure and remained low across all heart conditions after diagnosis, according to a report from Medical Xpress covering the study.
Black women had the highest risk of low activity after a heart event, while white men had no significant change. The findings highlighted the importance of staying active throughout life to reduce heart risk and support recovery.
