Why Do Women Need Less Exercise for the Same Heart Benefit?
November 4, 2025
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3 min
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that women require only 250 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week to achieve a 30% reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, while men need around 530 minutes for similar benefits. Researchers analyzed data from over 85,000 participants in the UK Biobank and found that females with established CHD who met activity guidelines experienced a threefold greater reduction in mortality risk compared to males. The findings suggest the need for sex-specific strategies in CHD prevention and highlight the potential of wearable devices in promoting physical activity among women.
1. Women need 250 min of MVPA per week for 30% CHD risk reduction; men need 530 min. 2. Study analyzed data from 85,412 UK Biobank participants. 3. Follow-up period average: 8 years. 4. Adhering females had a 3x greater mortality risk reduction than males. 5. Each added 30 min of MVPA lowers CHD risk by 3% in females. 6. The study supports tailored management for CHD prevention. 7. Findings encourage more female participation in physical activity. 8. Limitations include potential confounding and sample generalizability.
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