Exercise After a Cardiovascular Event

It’s National Fitness and Sports Month—and a new study just reminded us how powerful small changes can be.

After a heart attack or chest pain, people who spent more than 14 hours a day sitting had twice the risk of another heart problem within a year. But replacing just 30 minutes of sitting each day made a big difference:

• Light activity (like walking, gardening, or tidying up) cut the risk by 50% 🧹

• Moderate-to-vigorous activity (like dancing or biking) cut the risk by 61% 🏃‍♂️

• And yes, even 30 extra minutes of sleep lowered risk by 14% 😴

You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment—just a little more movement (or sleep!) each day can help you feel stronger and stay healthier.

What small changes have helped you move more or rest better?
Want to know how to get back into exercise after a cardiovascular event?

Check out this webinar where we—along with Dr. Hicham Skali—discuss how to do exactly that!

This research was published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes (May 2025) and summarized in a press release by the American Heart Association.