Study: Outdoor Exercise Beneficial to Heart Health, Even in Polluted Air
By: Tim Studebaker
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WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – An Air Quality Alert is a warning designed to make you think twice about spending too much time outside when ozone levels are high, but a new study released this week says regular exercise reduces the risk of heart attacks, even when it’s done outdoors in that polluted air.
Doctor Jennifer Jarbeau is the Board President of the American Heart Association of Southern New England, and a Cardiologist at Kent Hospital.
Dr. Jarbeau says, “We know that air pollution is known to increase the risk of heart attack, but this study shows that the risks are offset in people that are more physically active.”
The results were clear.
Dr. Jarbeau says, “[Exercise] reduced the risk of recurrent heart attacks by 39 percent and the risk of initial heart attacks by 9 percent, regardless of air quality.”
Although the study says the benefits outweigh the risks, the American Heart Association still wants the public to take precautions.
Dr. Jarbeau says, “Of course, we want you to avoid situations that put you at high risk of exposure to air pollution.”
Here in Southern New England, our days with poor air quality typically coincide with heat and humidity, which can cause even more stress on the body.
Dr. Jarbeau says, “Try to exercise in the morning or the evening. Try to avoid the heat of the day.”
There are some people that are at higher risk of the effects of air pollution.
Dr. Jarbeau says, “So in that case, definitely we recommend those people stay in the air conditioning.”
When in doubt, speak with your doctor about your specific needs.
You can read more the study here: http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/7/15/e009554
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