Research shows swimming can help prevent cardiovascular disease

Studies show that swimming and other water-based activities have many benefits, including improving gait, mobility and balance, and is also thought to offer benefits as part of rehabilitation programmes for peripheral arterial disease, in which arteries in the stomach, arms, legs and head narrow.

However, while water-based exercises have been shown to have benefits for other aspects of health, there has been limited evidence until now on whether it is as beneficial on reducing cardiovascular disease risk for older adults and improving their heart health.

Cardiovascular disease is currently the main cause of death for older people. Whilst exercise can protect against the disease, older people often don’t get as much exercise as they should, which means promoting forms of exercise that older people feel comfortable doing should be explored and promoted.

The recent study has shown that all forms of exercise offers similar benefits to our arteries and small veins, as exercise increases the production of nitric oxide in our body, a key component for preserving endothelial function in both small veins and arteries. This shows that for older adults, all exercise plays an important role in protecting against cardiovascular disease, whether it’s performed in or out of water.

The findings are particularly important as it shows that water-based exercise is as good for cardiovascular health as exercising in a gym, for the older age-group, meaning people can choose a form of exercise that causes less pain, strain or stress on joints, but will still benefit their heart health.

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382