It is never too late: change in physical activity fosters change in cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged women.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of physical activity, particularly change in physical activity over time, on cardiovascular risk factors in women. The 520 women in this analysis are part of an ongoing epidemiologic investigation of the effects of menopause on risk for cardiovascular disease; the investigation spans almost 20 years. The findings show that on average, physically active women have healthier risk factor profiles over time, and that as women change their activity level, their risk factor profiles change as well. Thus, for middle-aged women going through the menopausal transition, it is never too late to reduce their cardiovascular risk by increasing their activity level. Copyright 2003 CHF, Inc.