LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF EXERCISE IN THE EARLY ADULT YEARS By Tom Myers

Introduction Tom Myers serves as a division director with HCR

ManorCare and assists in the management of Ohio skilled nursing facility operations. Also a fitness enthusiast, Tom Myers has competed in a number of half marathons and runs regularly to stay in shape. A recent study named CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) found that physical fitness during the early adult years significantly reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to midlife mortality risks.

The long-term CARDIA study initially involved a treadmill test to measure the cardiorespiratory fitness of nearly 5,000 adults age 18 to 30.

Long-Term Benefits of Exercise Seven years later, approximately half of these

participants took part in a second treadmill test. The results were clear: each additional minute that participants were able to stay on the treadmill was related to a 12 percent reduction in the likelihood of having a CVD at an older age and a 15 percent reduced risk of death.

These risks were measured through CT imaging evaluation of coronary artery calcification, which is a major predictor of cardiovascular mortality. The bottom line is that CVD is a gradual progression and regular exercise during one’s late teens and 20s has a major impact on long-term heart health.