The importance of sport after the menopause
Physical activity in their free time protects women from cardiovascular disease after the menopause. This is the conclusion of an international research group.
The menopause in women is associated with unfavourable changes in fat metabolism. This can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity in free time improves blood lipid profile, a marker of cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.
This is the most important finding of a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology.
Sira Karvinen, a doctoral student at the Gerontology Research Centre in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, is one of the authors of the study. As Karvinen and her colleagues explain in their work, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases considerably and rapidly after the onset of the menopause. A person's lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels, is a good indicator of cardiovascular health. Researchers agree that physical activity during leisure time protects against cardiovascular disease.
Sports recreation of vital importance
The authors of the study define physical leisure as physical, sporting or recreational activities that are not related to regular work, housework or transport activities. Karvinen and her team examined 193 women aged between 47 and 55.
The researchers found an association between more intense physical activity during leisure time and lower total cholesterol, LDL, "bad" cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels. And they also found a link with higher levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol.
Sira Karvinen concludes, "According to our results, leisure-time physical activity is associated with a healthier blood fat profile."
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.