Being able to walk up four flights of stairs without stopping for a break is key to avoiding an early death, researchers say.
Spanish scientists tested the theory on nearly 13,000 people who were battling or suspected to have coronary artery disease. They found those who struggled were three times more likely to die from heart disease and faced twice the risk of dying from cancer.
The researchers claim their results provide further evidence of the benefits of exercise and being fit on health and longevity. Researchers from the University Hospital Coruña in Galicia analysed people with diagnosed or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).
Light activities, such as standing or walking slowly, use less than three METs, according to the researchers. While moderate activities, such as brisk walking, use three-to-six METs, and vigorous activities, such as jogging or playing football, use more than six METs. Good functional capacity was defined as being able to achieve ten METs during the treadmill test before becoming breathless.
