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The research tracked the health of over 5,100 adults across four US cities and found that physical activity levels declined from 18 to 40 years of age, leading to rising rates of hypertension. The study suggests that achieving at least twice the current minimum adult physical activity guidelines may be more beneficial for preventing hypertension than simply meeting the minimum guidelines.

Key findings:

  1. Maintaining physical activity during young adulthood is crucial for preventing hypertension.
  2. Physical activity levels declined from 18 to 40 years of age, leading to rising rates of hypertension.
  3. Achieving at least twice the current minimum adult physical activity guidelines may be more beneficial for preventing hypertension.

The study analyzed data from 5,115 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study to determine the association between physical activity and hypertension. The results showed that lower physical activity levels at age 18 years were associated with a higher odds of hypertension incidence, and meeting twice the current minimum physical activity guideline levels was protective of hypertension incidence. The study suggests that moderate physical activity levels may need to exceed current minimum guidelines to prevent hypertension onset. Meeting current minimum guidelines was not found to be protective of hypertension incidence. 

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Understanding the Minimum Guidelines

The study referenced the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, but it does not explicitly mention the current minimum guidelines for moderate physical activity.

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of both.

Here's a breakdown of the guidelines:

  • Moderate-intensity aerobic activity: at least 150 minutes per week
  • Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity: at least 75 minutes per week
  • Muscle-strengthening activity: at least 2 times per week, with 8-12 repetitions of 8-12 exercises that work all major muscle groups.