Harvard Study: Push-Ups May Predict Risk Of Heart Attack

Regular Physical Fitness Can Help Maintain Cardiovascular Health

A recent study conducted by Harvard University researchers has found that the number of push-ups a person can do may be indicative of their risk of developing a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, involved over 1,000 men aged 40-70 who were followed for an average of 10 years.

The researchers found that men who were able to do more than 40 push-ups had a significantly lower risk of heart attack compared to men who could do fewer than 10 push-ups. This association was independent of other factors that could affect heart attack risk, such as age, weight, smoking, and cholesterol levels.

How Push-Ups May Predict Heart Attack Risk

There are several possible explanations for why push-ups may be a predictor of heart attack risk. First, push-ups are a measure of upper-body strength, which has been linked to better overall cardiovascular health. Second, push-ups may help to improve blood flow to the heart, which can reduce the risk of heart attack.

The researchers also found that the association between push-ups and heart attack risk was strongest in men who were overweight or obese. This suggests that push-ups may be particularly beneficial for people who are at a higher risk of heart disease.

Exercise Recommendations For Heart Health

The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. Push-ups can be a great way to meet these recommendations, as they are a challenging and effective exercise that can be done anywhere.

If you're new to push-ups, start by doing as many as you can and gradually increase the number of repetitions over time. You can also modify push-ups by doing them on your knees or against a wall.

Conclusion

The Harvard study provides further evidence that regular physical fitness is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Push-ups are a simple and effective exercise that can help to reduce the risk of heart attack, especially in overweight and obese individuals.