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Exercise Makes the Heart Grow Stronger for Women; Menopause Identified As a Dangerous Time

Posted on: Tuesday, 1 February 2005, 12:00 CST

WOMEN going through the menopause can dramatically reduce the risk of a heart attack by just 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, say experts in Liverpool.

The scientists at Liverpool John Moores University launched their research after studies showed that one in five menopausal women died from heart disease.

The study was designed so scientists could assess the effects of well-defined aerobic exercise on the women's cardiovascular system.

It is the only research project to consider so many different biological aspects at the same time. Subjects include body composition, performance of the heart, and the supply of blood to the muscles.

Professor Tim Cable, Director of LJMU's School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, explained: "The myth is that heart disease is a predominantly male disease, but when women go through the menopause they stop producing oestrogen, which protects the heart and blood vessels, and they are at an equal risk to men.

"In the same way that we need to think about a pension plan, women need to invest in their health and fitness now to ensure a real quality of life in later years. "

The findings are based on the initial results of a 12-month study of 24 sixty-year-old post-menopausal women.

Professor Cable said: "The series of tests were repeated every three months to determine the impact of the exercise programme, starting with low intensity exercises such as walking.

"After nine months, the volunteers experienced profound changes in the heart, with the risk of coronary heart disease being significantly reduced".

Sisters Margaret Till, who is 61, and lives in Maghull, and Ann Stannard, 64, from Bootle, both volunteered to take part in the exercise research programme after answering an advert.

Both women have benefited from a substantial increase in their sense of well-being and levels of fitness.

Mrs Till said: "Before I took part in the research programme, I wasn't as aware of the risks of heart disease for women my age.

"I've become a lot fitter and am more conscious of how important exercise is.

"As you get older, it's important to stay fit for as long as possible, " explained Margaret, who admitted to not exercising regularly for at least five years prior to the research programme.

Mrs Stannard has also seen some dramatic changes after losing over a stone and improving her level of fitness. Other volunteers also experienced huge advantages to their circulation and blood flow, with the added benefit of decreasing muscle pain, which many menopausal women suffer from.

Professor Cable added: "Although we expected to find improvements in blood flow to the limbs before changes developed in the heart, we were surprised to find how little exercise was required to improve blood flow to the muscles and skin of the arms. "

Source: Daily Post; Liverpool

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