Exercise is by far the safest and most effective way to prevent and treat heart disease!
A meta-analysis review conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University compared the effectiveness of exercise versus drug interventions on mortality outcomes for four common conditions:
- Diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart failure
- Stroke
After reviewing 305 randomised controlled trials, which included nearly 339,300 people, they found “no statistically detectable differences” between physical activity and medications for pre-diabetes and heart disease.
An exercise was also found to be more effective than drugs after you’ve had a stroke. The only time drugs beat exercise was for the recovery from heart failure, in which case diuretic medicines produced a better outcome.
The drugs assessed in the studies included:
- Statins and beta blockers for coronary heart disease
- Diuretics and beta blockers for heart failure
- Anticoagulants and anti-platelets for stroke
These findings serve as a potent reminder of the power of simple lifestyle changes, as well as the shortcomings of the drug paradigm. If you want the key to living a longer and healthier life, popping a pill isn’t the answer! Nothing will beat a proper diet and exercise regime!
Are you an indoor or outdoor person?