Short Bursts of Daily Activity May Halve Heart Attack Risks for Middle-Aged Women

**New research** from the University of Sydney, published in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine*, finds that a few minutes of **vigorous incidental activity** (VILPA) daily can substantially reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in middle-aged women who don't exercise regularly. **VILPA** refers to high-intensity activities integrated into daily routines, like stair climbing or carrying shopping. The study, based on data from the UK Biobank, shows that middle-aged women performing around **3.4 minutes of VILPA daily** were 45% less likely to experience major cardiovascular events compared to those who did none. Even less than 3.4 minutes of daily VILPA was beneficial, reducing heart attack risk by 33% and heart failure by 40%. Although men also benefited, their gains were less pronounced. The findings highlight the potential of VILPA as a practical alternative for those unable to partake in structured exercise, emphasizing the importance of **habit formation** and challenging the notion of a quick fix for heart health.