Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure or other serious cardiac problems, according to HealthDay.
People with a family history of the disease often face a higher risk of developing it themselves.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 individuals. Among them, 831 had a genetic predisposition to developing cardiomyopathy. The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
150 minutes of exercise
Instead of asking participants about their exercise habits, researchers used data from activity trackers.
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This provided a more accurate picture of how much physical activity participants actually engaged in.
Health authorities in the United States recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity.
Moderate exercise may include brisk walking or cycling, while more intense activities can include running or swimming.
Heart-related problems
People with a genetic risk who exercised less than the recommended amount had the highest incidence of heart-related problems.
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However, researchers found that individuals with the same genetic risk who met the recommended exercise levels had nearly the same risk of heart problems as people without a genetic risk who did not exercise.
The study therefore suggests that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure in people with an inherited predisposition to cardiomyopathy.
Sources: HealthDay and American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
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