Physical Activity May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk by Calming the Brain, Study Finds
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have discovered that exercise does more than just help your heart—it can also reduce stress in your brain. This is particularly good news for people who have had depression, as the study shows that they benefit the most from physical activity when it comes to lowering the risk of heart disease.
The study, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, looked at data from over 50,000 people who are part of the Mass General Brigham Biobank. These participants had recorded their exercise habits, and some also had brain scans to measure stress-related activity.
What the researchers found was clear: people who exercise regularly have less stress activity in their brain. This decrease in brain stress helps protect the heart, particularly reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Notably, for those with a history of depression, exercise was about twice as effective in lowering the risk of heart problems compared to those without depression.
During the 10-year follow-up of the study, nearly 13% of participants developed heart disease. However, those who met standard exercise recommendations were 23% less likely to be diagnosed with heart issues. They also had significantly less stress in their brains.
This study highlights how important physical activity is—not just for maintaining physical health but also for mental well-being. For those with depression, regular exercise can be a key part of managing both mental health and heart health.
The findings suggest that when doctors talk to patients about the benefits of exercise, mentioning the connection between brain health and heart health could be crucial, especially for those who are managing mental health issues like depression.
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