Harvard study shows resistance training cuts heart‑attack risk for women

A large observational study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined 117,025 women aged 48 to 67. Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that two hours of resistance training each week reduced the risk of myocardial infarction by 44% and lowered overall cardiovascular disease risk by 20% compared with women who did not exercise.

Each additional hour of weekly strength training was linked to a 5% decrease in severe cardiovascular disease risk and a 14% drop in heart‑attack risk. When combined with the recommended 150 minutes of moderate‑to‑high‑intensity aerobic activity, the joint regimen lowered heart‑attack risk by about 45%. The authors highlighted that resistance training is often overlooked in public‑health guidelines and urged incorporation of strength exercises alongside aerobic activity and reduced sedentary TV time.

Lead author Tiangu Zhang emphasized the need for broader awareness of the cardiovascular benefits of resistance training for middle‑aged and older women.