A brisk walk later in life ‘is better for a man than a woman’ due to the behaviour of hearts 

  • Females found to gain less in relaxing arteries and lowering blood pressure 
  • Loughborough University analysed blood vessels of 12 middle-aged males 
  • They compared their results with those of 12 post-menopausal women 

Exercise has fewer health benefits for middle-aged women than men, a study has found.

A woman going for a brisk walk with her partner will gain less in terms of relaxing her arteries and lowering her blood pressure, say scientists.

A reduction in the stiffness of the arteries can lower the risks of developing heart or circulatory disease. The stiffness is a product of ageing and high cholesterol and fatty diets and puts more strain on the heart.

A reduction in the stiffness of the arteries can lower the risks of developing heart or circulatory disease

The blood vessels of 12 middle-aged men and 12 post-menopausal women were tested by researchers at Loughborough University an hour after they did a brisk walk. 

Research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester showed both groups had improved arterial stiffness and blood pressure but stiffness was still higher in women.

Medical research presented in Manchester showed that stiffness was higher in women than men despite improvements in both sexes 

Medical research presented in Manchester showed that stiffness was higher in women than men despite improvements in both sexes 

The researchers are now looking at whether daily folic acid supplements could help postmenopausal women in relaxing their blood vessels.

Professor Jeremy Pearson of the British Heart Foundation said: ‘Although post-menopausal women don’t see quite the same exercise benefits as men, staying active will still reduce their overall risk of developing heart disease.’

 

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