A new study has found that training for and completing a marathon improves new runners vascular health by cutting off 4 years from “vascular age,” a new study has found.
The study, conducted by researchers from Barts and University College, London involved 138 new runners who participated in London Marathon.
For a period of six months of the training period, the blood vessels (arteries) of the participants regained youthful vigour, becoming more elastic. Such blood vessel characteristics are associated with reduced risks of heart attacks and stroke.
The study also found that the new marathon runners had reduced blood pressure like those who had been prescribed antihypertensive drugs.
The study also found that those who were the least fit benefited the most from the training and the marathon race.
Physical activity is a widely recognized activity to promote cardiovascular health. Indeed, the WHO recommends different grades of exercise as a way to maintain and improve cardiovascular health.
