Exercise as effective as drugs in treating heart disease and stroke, study reveals

It should really come as no surprise by now that exercise does wonders for your health, but a recent study reveals that it may actually be considered a prescription for two of the most deadly diseases.

Medical researchers from Harvard University, Stanford University and the London School of Economics have discovered that physical exercise works better than medication at treating stroke, and is equally as effective at treating heart disease and preventing diabetes.

"Exercise is a potent strategy to save and extend life in coronary heart disease and other conditions," says study co-author Huseyin Naci, a fellow at Harvard Medical School "We think exercise can be considered or should be considered as a viable alternative or in combination with drug therapy."

Also see: Why was this breast cancer ad banned?

In the recent review, published in the British Medical Journal, scientists looked at 305 trials involving 339,274 participants, comparing exercise with common drug treatments as a form of therapy for type 2 diabetes, repeat coronary heart disease, repeat strokes and heart failure. About 14,700 participants were put on exercise programs, while 324,000 were given medication.

The study results indicate that exercise and drugs were comparable in terms of death rates, but the most effective in terms of life expectancy was a combination of both.

Also see: Fried foods aren't as bad as we think

However, there were two exceptions. Drugs called diuretics were significantly more effective for heart failure patients, while exercise was best for stroke patients in terms of life expectancy.

"In cases where drug options provide only modest benefit, patients deserve to understand the relative impact that physical activity might have on their condition," the study authors write.

Health Canada recommends Canadian adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, and that Canadian children get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day.

Also see: Tips for living past 100

Would you rather take a pill or get active to help prolong your life? Tell us in the comments below.