Strong and Fit Teens Have Healthier Hearts Decades Later
Physical fitness in male adolescents and atherosclerosis in middle age: a population-based cohort study
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Muscular strength was an independent predictor of heart health—even stronger than expected.
Most public health messaging focuses on cardio (running, cycling), but this study shows leg strength measured at 18 was a stronger predictor of future heart blockages than cardiorespiratory fitness alone.
Practical Takeaways
Encourage teens to do 2–3 strength sessions per week (squats, lunges, push-ups) + 150 mins of cardio—this combo may cut their future heart blockage risk by 1/3.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Muscular strength was an independent predictor of heart health—even stronger than expected.
Most public health messaging focuses on cardio (running, cycling), but this study shows leg strength measured at 18 was a stronger predictor of future heart blockages than cardiorespiratory fitness alone.
Practical Takeaways
Encourage teens to do 2–3 strength sessions per week (squats, lunges, push-ups) + 150 mins of cardio—this combo may cut their future heart blockage risk by 1/3.
Publication
Journal
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Year
2024
Authors
Ángel Herráiz-Adillo, V. Ahlqvist, Sara Higueras-Fresnillo, K. Hedman, Emil Hagström, Melony Fortuin-de Smidt, B. Daka, Cecilia Lenander, D. Berglind, C. Östgren, K. Rådholm, Francisco B. Ortega, P. Henriksson
Related Content
Claims (6)
Boys who were more physically fit at age 18 had a lower chance of having serious clogged heart arteries when they reached their 50s.
Teenage boys who were stronger in their legs had a lower chance of developing serious heart artery blockages when they got older.
Teenage boys who were both strong and fit had the lowest risk of serious heart artery blockages when they became middle-aged.
Teens who were more aerobically fit had fewer heart arteries with a dangerous mix of soft and hard plaque when they got older.
Being fit as a teen didn’t seem to protect against hardening of the neck arteries when people got older.