A new research study shows that staying fit and exercising in your youth confers lifetime benefits. A prospective study looking at 4,872 adults aged 18 to 30 years old followed their fitness from March 25,1985 to August 31, 2011.

Participants underwent a baseline treadmill exercise test and roughly half of the participants underwent a second treadmill test seven years later. The treadmill test consisted of two-minute stages that gradually increases with intensity. The study spanned over 27 years looking at obesity, left ventricular mass and strain, coronary artery calcification, and vital status and incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The results of the study showed that each additional minute of baseline exercise test was associated with a 15% lower hazard risk of death as well as a 12% lower hazard risk of cardiovascular disease. Those with higher baseline also showed significantly lower left ventricular mass index and significantly better lobal longitudinal strain after 25 years.

In participants who underwent a second treadmill test, a one-minute reduction in being able to stay on the treadmill showed negative effects. The study found that each minute of reduction was associated with a 21% increased risk of death and a 20% increased risk of heart-related death.. Individuals with higher levels of fitness at baseline and those who showed improvement in fitness early in adulthoods are positively associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Higher fitness also shows less strain on the heart leading to a much healthier life. A high level of fitness was also associated with lower mortality from any cause.

As healthcare providers, we have to promote a healthy lifestyle with every chance. Increasing physical activity today in patients not only confers health benefits for the individual, but also decreases the burden of healthcare cost in the future. A simple 30-minutes-a-day walk can result in a lifetime of benefits.