We already know that moderate exercise has positive effects on heart health (it reduces stroke, chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, and reduces the chance of having heart diseases). In a study conducted by the Center for Healthcare Advancement & Outcomes and the High-Risk Cardiovascular Disease Clinic at Baptist Health South Florida in Coral Gables, researchers studied the effects of exercising on our health, and on our medical care annual bill.

Referring to a 2012 survey, whose participants were people above the age of 18, not pregnant, with a normal weight and able to walk properly. All of the participants (have of them with no cardiovascular issues and one-third of them with such diseases), were able to meet the guidelines for weekly moderate-to-vigorous activity.

The participants who experienced any cardiovascular disease or issue (such as strokes, coronary artery diseases, heart attack, peripheral artery disease, or arrhythmias), were the ones with a high healthcare cost. On the other hand, for participants who exercised regularly and were physically active, the healthcare costs were lower by 2500 dollars or more than the sedentary participants.

The same study grouped the participants based on their number of cardiovascular risk factors (for example high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes). The study found that the participants ranked as the healthiest (those who had no heart disease or only one cardiovascular risk factor),  are considered the ones who exercise regularly and they had a medical cost which was 500 dollars less than participants who did not exercise.

The study also proved that even people who are at high risk of these diseases, and who have experienced many symptoms already, were less prone to be hospitalized or need medical care when they were physically active and engaging in workouts. They were also less probable to visit emergency rooms and use prescribed medications.

The research suggested that if only 20% of the patients experiencing cardiovascular diseases and who are not active, take the initiative of meeting daily and weekly exercise goals, their government would save many billion dollars yearly in healthcare costs.

The conclusion of the study was that there is nothing a person can do to lower their annual healthcare bill, other than start being physically active and care for their bodies.

What are the recommendations?

The American Heart Association recommends every individual to care for their cardiovascular health, by performing no less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity including aerobic, at least 5 times per week. They can also reduce the time to 25 minutes but replace the activity type with vigorous aerobic activity for three days weekly, or combine both.

Performing moderate activity (heavy cleaning, lawn mowing, or fast walking) causes light sweat, and increases the heart rate as well as breathing. On the other hand, vigorous activity includes aerobics, race walking, running, or lap swimming.