The Link Between Leg Muscles and Heart Health

Building muscle strength, particularly in the legs, may lead to better outcomes after a heart attack, according to new research presented at a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology. The study found that having higher leg muscle strength was "strongly associated" with a lower risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack. The researchers suggest that maintaining muscle strength in older age could be important for cardiovascular health, as muscle mass can diminish with age. They recommend strength training involving the quadriceps muscles for heart attack patients to prevent heart failure.