Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health: Fact Sheet

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in America. About 954,000 Americans died last year of CVD, accounting for over 42 percent of all deaths.

Lack of physical activity is now clearly shown to be a risk factor for heart disease.

Estimates are that up to 250,000 deaths per year in the U.S. -- about 12 percent of total deaths -- are due to a lack of regular physical activity.

• The relative risk of coronary heart disease associated with physical inactivity ranges from 1.5 to 2.4, an increase in risk comparable with that observed for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking.

• Less active, less fit persons have a 30-50 percent greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

• Surveys show that 24 percent of Americans age 18 or older are not active at all. Fifty-four percent of adults get some exercise, but they don't do it regularly or intensely enough to protect their hearts. Only 22 percent of American adults get enough leisure time exercise to achieve cardiovascular fitness.

• More vigorous aerobic activities, such as ultimate -- done three or four times a week for 30-60 minutes -- are best for improving the fitness of the heart and lungs.

      -From the American Heart Association, April 2000.