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Midlife Couch Potato? Get Off the Couch for Heart Health

By , About.com Guide

Updated November 13, 2008

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Do you think it is too late to take up exercise to improve your heart health? Studies find that it's not too late - you can still reduce heart risks by taking up exercise after age 40, or beginning exercise even though you are over 60 with hypertension.

Couch Potato at 40? Start Exercising!

Couch potatoes who start exercising in later life can still significantly cut their chances of developing coronary artery disease, suggests a small study published ahead of print in Heart.

The study found that those who took up exercise after the age of 40 reduced their risk by 55% compared to those who remained inactive. The study used a group of people with coronary artery disease matched with a group of similar age (40-68) who did not.

It's Best to Be Active

The news was even better for those who had been active and stayed active, their risk of coronary heart disease was 60% less than those who were inactive.

How to Start Walking

One of the best ways to begin to be active is to start a walking program. Get a check-up and discuss any physical or medical limitations with your doctor. Chances are good your prescription for health will include a walking program. We have free programs for you.
  • Let's Get Walking: Our program for absolute beginners. It takes you from zero to walking 30 minutes a day most days of the week.
  • Walk of Life 10-Week Program: Our program of walking and weight loss, with healthy recipe, daily walking and exercise assignments.
Source: D Rothenbacher, W Koenig, H Brenner "Lifetime physical activity patterns and risk of coronary heart disease" Heart 2006;000:1–2. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2006.087478
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