Mixed
Vigorous physical activity (≥6 METs) is independently associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, whereas the benefits of moderate and light activities are less clear or non-significant in multivariate models.
While any activity is better than none, incorporating vigorous exercise (like jogging, swimming laps, or sports) provides the strongest protection against heart disease. If you cannot do vigorous exercise, consistent moderate activity (like brisk walking) still offers significant benefits, though perhaps slightly less than vigorous efforts.
When we considered the independent effects of specific physical activity components, only total sports or recreational activities (P for trend=0.042) and vigorous activities (P for trend=0.02) were inversely associated with the risk of CHD.
Why this rating
Same cohort strength, but the finding regarding moderate activity is described as 'possible U-shaped' and 'nonsignificant inverse associations' in multivariate models, suggesting measurement imprecision.
Source
Physical Activity and Coronary Heart Disease in Men
Howard D. Sesso et al. · Circulation · 2000
DOI 10.1161/01.cir.102.9.975
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- Engaging in total physical activity of at least 4200 kJ/wk (approx. 1000 kcal/wk) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by approximately 20% in middle-aged and older men, with the strongest risk reductions associated with vigorous-intensity activities.Good
- Physical activity reduces coronary heart disease risk even in men with multiple existing coronary risk factors (such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, or high BMI).Good
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