Physical Activity Tied to Lower Risk of Death from All Causes and Heart Disease

FRIDAY, July 11, 2025 (https://positivibemind.com/news) – Regularly increasing levels of physical activity are linked to lower risks of death from all causes and heart-related diseases, as indicated by a study released online on July 10 in the... British Journal of Sport and Exercise Medicine .

Ruiyi Yu, affiliated with the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, along with his team, carried out a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to explore how patterns and buildup of physical activity throughout adult life relate to overall, cardiovascular disease, and cancer-related deaths. In total, 85 studies were analyzed, featuring three primary categories of physical activity exposure: 77 studies evaluated overall mortality, 34 focused on cardiovascular disease death rates, and 15 examined cancer-specific fatalities.

Researchers noted a link between increased physical activity and reduced risk across all measured outcomes. Individuals who remained consistently and progressively more active experienced a reduction in overall and cardiovascular disease-related deaths by approximately 20% to 40%, and 30% to 40%, respectively; however, the relationship was not as clear when physical activity decreased over time. Comparable negative correlations were identified between greater levels of physical activity and both total and heart disease fatalities using time-dependent measures and average/cumulative activity data. With regard to cancer death rates, the connections were weaker and less reliable. It appeared that following recommended physical activity standards could lead to lowered risks of dying from any cause and cardiovascular issues through non-linear relationships, although maintaining regular or growing activity levels even beneath these recommendations still offered beneficial effects.

The authors state, 'by identifying these trends, this review could offer useful guidance for upcoming studies and community efforts focused on encouraging long-term physical activity among adults.'

Abstract/Full Text