Lifespan for People with Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease kills over 600,000 people each year in America, according to the Center for Disease Control, making it the leading cause of death for men and women. Although we have better information and education on the prevention of cardiovascular problems than ever before, there is still one heart attack about every 40 seconds in the US. 

Please read this. Even if you do not personally suffer from any cardiovascular issues, you probably know at least one person who does, and this information could be helpful to them.

Several studies have looked at what factors predict long lifespans for people with existing cardiovascular diseases. Bodyweight is an obvious factor - the heavier you are, the harder your heart has to work, and over time that can lead to cardiovascular problems. However, it seems that adding muscle mass can be protective, even if your overall bodyweight increases. This study from UCLA in 2016 found that having more muscle mass leads to a longer average lifespan for people with cardiovascular disease. 

Now, this does not mean everyone needs to try to be a bodybuilder. What these studies really mean is that adding 5-10 pounds of muscle, over several years or more, can give people with cardiovascular disease an incredible advantage in living a longer life, even with their health challenge. 

Walking, jogging, swimming, and other cardio-based activities do not build significant muscle. Resistance training - with weights, bands, and machines - is absolutely necessary to add new muscle. And for those with cardiovascular trouble, it could add years to their life.