Exercise Rx for Post-Menopausal Women

If concerns about the side effects of hormone-replacement therapy have you worried, here’s some great news. A recent study shows that the simplest way to protect a woman’s heart after menopause is by being fit.

Although reduction in cholesterol is usually touted as the main benefit of exercise, the researchers observed that blood clots cause most heart attacks. So they examined whether women who were physically fit had lower levels of three factors that raise the risk of blood clots. The results showed that those who scored highest on a conventional fitness “stress test” also had the best blood profiles when it came to avoiding blood clots.

Is this why people who exercise are less likely to have heart attacks? The researchers can’t say for certain without further studies. But considering the many other benefits of exercise—including weight loss and maintenance, positive emotions and bone strength—why wait for the final verdict? If you’ve been sedentary, check with your physician before starting any exercise program. And then get up and get going!