Ten hours of weekly exercise may cut heart disease risk by 30%, study finds

A new scientific study has revealed that people may need to exercise more than previously believed to maintain heart health and prevent heart attacks, strokes, and artery-related diseases.

According to the UK newspaper The Independent, the study found that engaging in up to 610 minutes of physical activity per week—about four times the current recommendations—could provide the greatest cardiovascular benefits.

These findings challenge the current advice for adults, which recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.

The study, conducted by Macau University of Science and Technology and based on data from over 17,000 middle-aged Britons, found that following current guidelines reduces the risk of heart disease by 8 to 9 percent. However, exercising for 560 to 610 minutes per week could lower these risks by more than 30 percent. The researchers concluded that optimal protection for the heart and blood vessels may require much higher levels of physical activity than currently recommended.

On the other hand, some commentators warned that recommending more than an hour and 20 minutes of exercise daily may not be an appropriate public health message. They advised continuing to promote the minimum recommended 150 minutes per week, while emphasizing that increasing physical activity provides additional health benefits whenever possible.