Just Three Minutes of Daily Moderate Activity May Lower Cardiovascular Risk

Recent research indicates that incorporating just three minutes of moderate incidental activity into daily routines can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke, especially among older adults. Conducted by a collaborative team of cardiovascular and public health experts across the UK and Australia, the study analyzed data from the UK Biobank involving over 24,000 participants with an average age of 62. These individuals wore wrist monitors that tracked their activity levels over several days between 2013 and 2015, focusing specifically on non-exercisers and their incidental physical activities.

The findings suggest that many activities not traditionally classified as exercise—like household chores, shopping, gardening, or house cleaning—contribute positively to cardiovascular health. Participants who engaged in at least three minutes of moderate incidental activity daily were observed to have a noticeably lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and related cardiovascular complications. The study also noted gender differences; women tended to perform higher levels of incidental activity compared to men, which correlated with better health outcomes.

This research emphasizes the importance of small, achievable changes in daily routines. Simple acts such as preparing meals, mowing the lawn, or doing gardening not only enhance daily activity levels but also reduce cardiovascular risks as people age. The key takeaway is to incorporate multiple short periods of moderate activity each day rather than relying solely on formal exercise routines.

The study, published in the journal Circulation, underscores that even minimal effort—just three minutes daily—can have substantial health benefits, encouraging a more inclusive view of physical activity in health management. Sources: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-minutes-moderate-day-cardiovascular-event.html