Physical Activity Declines Before Heart Disease—And Never Fully Recovers
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, but one of the most powerful ways to prevent and manage it is often overlooked: moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A groundbreaking study from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, published in JAMA Cardiology, sheds light on how physical activity patterns evolve over a lifetime—especially before and after a CVD event.
DISEASE PREVENTION
7/24/20252 min read
Key Findings from the Study
Physical Activity Declines Steadily from Young Adulthood
The study followed over 3,000 participants for up to 35 years, tracking their MVPA levels.
On average, people became less active as they aged, with the steepest declines in midlife before plateauing in later years.
Black women had the lowest MVPA levels throughout adulthood, highlighting troubling disparities in physical activity.
A Sharp Drop in Activity Before a CVD Event
People who later developed CVD showed a significant decline in MVPA starting 12 years before their diagnosis, with an accelerated drop in the 2 years leading up to the event.
This suggests that reduced activity may be both a risk factor and an early warning sign of impending heart disease.
Post-CVD, Activity Levels Don’t Fully Recover
After a CVD event (such as a heart attack or stroke), patients remained significantly less active than their healthy peers.
Black women were at the highest risk of extremely low MVPA after CVD, with nearly 4.5 times higher odds of falling below recommended activity levels compared to controls.
Why This Matters
The study underscores a critical message: physical activity isn’t just about prevention—it’s about resilience. Those who stayed more active earlier in life had better outcomes, while those who became sedentary faced greater risks.
But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to start. Even small increases in MVPA can:
✔ Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
✔ Improve heart function
✔ Reduce the risk of future CVD events
How to Stay Active for Lifelong Heart Health
Start Early, Stay Consistent – The earlier you build healthy habits, the better. But even if you’re in midlife or beyond, increasing activity can still make a difference.
Aim for 150 Minutes of MVPA Weekly – That’s just 30 minutes, 5 days a week of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Find Activities You Enjoy – Consistency is key, so choose exercises that fit your lifestyle.
Monitor Your Health – If you notice unexplained fatigue or declining activity levels, consult a doctor—it could be an early warning sign.
Advocate for Equity in Health – The study highlights disparities in MVPA, particularly among Black women. Better access to safe spaces for exercise and culturally tailored health programs are needed.
Final Thoughts
This study is a powerful reminder that movement is medicine. Whether you’re 25 or 65, staying active is one of the best investments you can make in your heart health. Don’t wait for a wake-up call—start today, and keep moving for life.
Read the full study here: JAMA Cardiology - Trajectories of Physical Activity Before and After Cardiovascular Disease Events