Most Shun Exercise as Way to Prevent Heart Disease, CDC Says

More Americans may be cutting down on cholesterol and quitting smoking, but most still shun exercise as a way to guard against heart disease, federal health officials reported Thursday.

A Centers for Disease Control study provides the first evidence that people are less likely to exercise than to make other lifestyle changes known to lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

The study found also that 30% to 40% of heart disease deaths probably could have been prevented if the victims had exercised.

“We have been waiting for this evidence,” said Elaine Eaker, chief of the CDC’s chronic disease control division. “Physical activity has been sitting on the back burner for a long time while everyone has been focusing on cholesterol and smoking. The entire U.S. population needs to get out there and start moving.”

Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, causing 2.1 million deaths in 1987, the CDC report said.

To avoid being labeled inactive by the government, people have to walk, run or engage in another sports activity at least three times a week for at least 20 minutes.

A survey earlier this summer involving people in 37 states found that 58% failed to meet the recommended exercise level. It found that 31% had high levels of artery-clogging cholesterol, 25% smoked, 22% were obese and 17% had high blood pressure.

Cholesterol levels greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood are considered dangerous. Obesity, smoking and hypertension also are known risk factors for heart disease.

In related research, the CDC studied heart disease deaths in 13 states that have public health campaigns to increase exercise. Of the 13 states, New York reported the greatest proportion of people who avoid exercise--74%. Washington and Colorado had the best scores, with about 45% of the respondents labeled inactive.

CDC researchers estimated that nearly 40% of New York’s heart disease deaths might have been prevented if the victims had exercised more. About 30% of heart disease deaths in Washington and Colorado could have been prevented by more active lifestyles, they said.