Arthritis hinders vital physical activity for heart patients

Washington, Feb 27 (ANI): Arthritis appears to be a substantial barrier for heart patients when it comes to getting the needed physical activity, says a new study.

The study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that adults with both heart disease and arthritis are significantly more likely to be physically inactive than those with heart disease alone.

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The study found that approximately 57 percent of adults with heart disease have arthritis.

In the study, about 29 percent of adults with arthritis and heart disease were inactive, compared to 21 percent of people with heart disease alone, 18 percent of those with arthritis and 11 percent of adults with neither condition.

"People with arthritis often fear physical activity will worsen their pain - and that's a major myth," said Patience White, MD, MA, chief public health officer for the Arthritis Foundation.

"However, just 30 minutes of daily physical activity has been shown to reduce arthritis pain and disability and help manage heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol," White added.

The study is published in new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (ANI)