You Don’t Need to Be a Gym Rat to Cut Your Stroke Risk

Even a small amount of daily exercise can cut your risk of stroke by double digits, a new study finds.

Researchers reviewed health data from more than 750,000 adults and compared their stroke risk to different levels of physical activity – none, below target and ideal.

The ideal or recommended amount is 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week.

According to the results, getting the highest amount of physical activity lowers the odds of stroke by 29%, compared to getting none.

But logging below target levels also significantly lowers the risk by 18%.

And the benefits were seen regardless of age or gender.

The authors say, “People should be encouraged to be physically active even at the lowest levels.”

For more information on stroke:

• Stroke: What It Is, Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment & Prevention

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Recovery

• Ischemic Stroke: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Recovery

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & Recovery

• Caregiving for Someone After a Stroke

• Key to Post-Stroke Recovery: Exercise

• Post-Stroke Rehab: There's a Sweet Spot in the Timing

• Even a Little Daily Exercise Cuts Your Stroke Risk

• Your Sleep Can Affect Your Stroke Risk