The American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report recently published studies that show exercise could decrease medical costs and the overall health burden of the U.S.
According to the study, patients who have heart disease and meet the weekly guidelines for vigorous to moderate exercise have saved over $2,500 in annual health care costs, on average. Healthy patients also benefited from the exercise, and patients with cardiovascular risk factors also decreased their average medical costs when they exercised regularly to a moderate or vigorous intensity.
“Even among an established high-risk group such as those diagnosed with heart disease or stroke, those who engaged in regular exercise activities reported a much lower risk of being hospitalized, (having) an emergency room visit and use of prescription medications,” the research stated.
Consistent moderate exercise decreases risk of heart disease, chronic conditions and stroke. Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes also experienced benefits with exercise.
“The message to the patient is clear: There is no better pill in reducing the risk of disease and healthcare costs than optimizing physical activity,” Dr. Khurram Nasir, senior author of the study and director of the High Risk Cardiovascular Disease Clinic at Baptist Health South Florida in Coral Gables, said.
