Scientists at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have found that an enlarged heart may be more beneficial for middle-aged women. Research published Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Previous studies involving athletes have proven a link between increased heart size and better contractility. Low heart function is associated with many health problems, including disability, heart failure, and premature death.
A new study has shown that larger heart ventricles are associated with better heart function, including during exercise. The small size of the heart has the potential to lead to functional impairment of the heart and heart failure, which should be tested in future studies.
The scientists noted that exercise can change the size of the heart by thickening the heart muscle. This means that for middle-aged women, physical activity is the main way to reduce cardiovascular risk.