Exercise research suggests higher activity levels and personalized intensity for heart health

New research suggests that current public health exercise guidelines may be insufficient to provide optimal cardiovascular protection. An observational study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that substantial reductions in the risk of heart attack and stroke were associated with 560 to 610 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. This volume is approximately three to four times higher than the standard recommendation of 150 minutes per week.

Further studies emphasize the importance of personalized intensity rather than standardized thresholds. Research involving women aged 50 to 65 published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that relative intensity—exercise tailored to an individual's specific VO2 max—explained 70% of the variation in cardiorespiratory fitness, compared to 53% for absolute intensity.

Researchers from Macao Polytechnic University, analyzing data from the UK Biobank, noted that individuals with lower fitness levels may require more exercise to achieve similar cardiovascular benefits as highly fit individuals. The findings suggest a shift toward personalized activity targets based on individual cardiorespiratory fitness levels to effectively mitigate the risk of early death and cardiovascular events.