Exercise Cuts Risks to Women
February 1, 2005
WOMEN going through the menopause should exercise for 30 minutes every day to reduce the risk of heart disease, scientists said yesterday.
One in five post-menopausal women die from heart disease, but health experts claim this can be reversed by walking or cycling.
The women who took part in the 10-month study were found to have stronger heart muscles – even after a few months.
Professor Tim Cable, of Liverpool John Moores University, said: “We were surprised to find how little exercise was required to improve the flow of blood to the muscles.”
The risk of heart disease increases after the menopause because of a lack of the hormone oestrogen. The women, all in their 60s, were tested every three months to gauge changes in fitness.