- A new study has found that small daily adjustments to sleep, exercise, and diet can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Adding just 11 minutes more sleep, 4.5 minutes of brisk walking and an extra quarter cup of vegetables daily could reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by approximately 10 per cent.
- The comprehensive study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from over 53,000 middle-aged UK adults over an eight-year follow-up period.
- Researchers identified an “optimal” lifestyle combination – a balanced diet, 8-9 hours of sleep and 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily – which led to a substantial 57 per cent lower risk.
- Academics and health experts emphasise that these minor, combined behavioural shifts are more “achievable and sustainable” for individuals than drastic lifestyle overhauls, offering a meaningful positive impact on heart health.
IN FULL
