Why do men have to exercise twice as much as women to protect their cardiovascular system?
A new study published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research has shown a remarkable difference in how men and women benefit from exercise for cardiovascular health. The results show that to reduce the risk of heart disease at the same level, men have to exercise nearly twice as long as women.
Specifically, data from more than 80,000 people in the UK Biobank database was analyzed. Women who exercise about 250 minutes a week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 30%, while men who exercise up to 530 minutes a week, equivalent to nearly 9 hours, can achieve the same effect.
According to current guidelines, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week, combined with two sessions to strengthen muscles. However, the results of this study show that the one-stop approach may not be consistent.
Hormones, muscles and different ways the body reacts
Experts say the difference between the two sexes may come from hormonal factors, metabolism and muscle structure. Women have higher levels of estrogen, which helps protect the cardiovascular system and supports more efficient metabolism when exercising at a moderate level.
Women with coronary heart disease can have a three times lower risk of death than men when exercising at the same level, cardiologist Abhijit Borse told Health Shots.
In addition, women often have a higher rate of slow muscle twitching, the type of fiber that helps improve endurance and blood circulation, while men have more muscle fibers that contract quickly, tending to be strong and fast. This causes women to experience greater cardiovascular benefits during the same exercise period.
Men should increase the intensity and variety of exercises
According to Dr. Mahadev Swamy B, a cardiologist: men should consider increasing the recommended physical activity level of 150 minutes per week, or focus on the intensity and variety of exercises to optimize cardiovascular benefits.
Regular exercise, maintaining an active lifestyle, combined with a healthy diet are still important keys to reducing the risk of heart disease, whether you are male or female. Gender differences do not mean who needs to exercise more than who, but it is understanding how their bodies react to choose the most appropriate way to exercise, Dr. Borse emphasized.
