Our cardiologist makes an important recall to hiking enthusiasts.
Like other endurance sports, hiking is excellent for physical and mental health. It strengthens its immune system, maintaining its muscle mass, stimulating blood circulation, lowering the level of poor cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and preventing osteoporosis. This physical activity also plays a key role in prevention of cardiovascular risk. But that’s not all! By oxygenating the brain, it reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, maintains cognitive functions and decreases anxiety. Especially since it is an activity that we generally practice in a group, which promotes social ties. The hike therefore offers a cocktail of health benefits, both mental and physical.
Hiking is an endurance activity that requires having good muscle mass and good aerobic and anaerobic capacities. According to the French Cardiology Federation, 30 minutes of walking per day decrease by 20% the risk of myocardial infarction. “The more you are drawn, the more we push its limits. The march constitutes the endurance activity par excellence with cycling and swimming to maintain the heart” explains Dr. Claude Kouakam, cardiologist at the Lille Heart Institute,
But can we do it indefinitely, whatever our age? According to the cardiologist “It all depends on the level of training of the subject as well as on his muscle and respiratory capacities. A well trained person can easily hike until the age of 70-80 when a person aged 30-40 can experience difficulties if they are not trained”. It is therefore the shape of each person who sets the limit: 40 years for some and up to 80 for others. As long as you feel good “You can indulge in it without moderation from 7 to 77 years “confirms our interlocutor.
On the other hand, some signs deserve to lift your foot without waiting and consult a doctor quickly: chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, abnormal fatigue, heart palpitations or swelling of the legs. After additional examinations, the cardiologist may possibly offer treatment and refer to hiking.
Thank you to Dr. Claude Kouakam, cardiologist at the Lille CHU CHU Coeur Institute.
