Exercise lowers heart disease risk in overweight women

AORN Journal, July, 2008

While a high body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of heart disease, exercise may reduce that risk in overweight and obese women, according to the April 28, 2008, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Physical activity improves blood vessel function and reduces the risk for blood clots, according to researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

At the beginning of the study in 1992, the Women's Health Study comprised nearly 39,000 women. A baseline questionnaire indicated this group included women who were

* physically active--34%

* overweight--31%, and

* obese--18%.

After an average 10.9 years of follow-up, 948 of the women had developed coronary heart disease. Both BMI and physical activity were associated with coronary heart disease risk. Risk was lowest in active women of normal weight and slightly higher for inactive women of normal weight. Risk was the highest in overweight and obese women who were inactive, but slightly less so in over-weight and obese women who were physically active. Researchers concluded it is important for all women to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight to lower the risk of heart disease.

Increased physical activity related to lower heart disease risk among women with high body mass index [news release]. Chicago, IL: JAMA/Archives Media Relations; April 28, 2008.