Fitness and Cardiovascular Health

Map U.S. States Smoking Fitness Predictors About

BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR

Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health

Physical activity is a practical population-level predictor because it is measured consistently across countries. Insufficient activity is associated with higher blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular mortality.

RISK

Activity and heart health

20–30%

higher risk of death among insufficiently active people

150 min

of moderate activity recommended weekly for adults

14% lower

coronary heart disease risk at the minimum recommended activity level

47.2%

of U.S. adults met aerobic guidelines in 2024

Activity snapshots Share of population (%)

Worldwide adults insufficiently active (2022)

31%

U.S. adults meeting aerobic guidelines (2024)

47.2%

0%12.5%25%37.5%50%

Different populations and measures are shown on the same percentage scale.

Physical inactivity → higher blood pressure, blood glucose, and obesity → increased CVD risk

WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, to reduce cardiovascular risk. Higher activity is associated with lower mortality and better metabolic health.