Midlife Fit May Mean No Late-Life Stroke

For people in middle age, staying fit now could reduce stroke risk later in life, a new study found.

This study, published in the journal Stroke and conducted by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers, looked at nearly 20,000 adults who were eligible to receive Medicare coverage. 

Study participants were rated on cardiorespiratory fitness levels and were categorized to have a high, middle or a low fitness level. 

Compared to those participants who received the lowest fitness rating at the start of the study, those with the highest fitness level were around 37 percent less likely to have a stroke after age 65, these researchers found.

This study builds on past research with similar findings. Stroke remains a leading cause of death in the United States, these researchers noted.

Talk to your doctor about the healthiest and safest exercise plan for you.

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and American Heart Association funded this research. The authors disclosed no conflicts of interest.