More sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfSmall sleep, exercise and diet changes can cut heart attack and stroke riskMore sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack or stroke. Photo / 123rfAdding 11 minutes of sleep, five minutes of exercise and a quarter-cup of extra vegetables per day could cut your risk of a major cardiac event, according to a new study. Scientists found these changes to sleep, physical activity and nutrition were associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of things like a heart attack or stroke, in a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. For those who don’t get enough sleep, get minimal exercise and have a poor diet, this “optimal combination” could lower their risk of major cardiovascular events by 57%.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 26, 2026 20:50 UTC