Just 30 Minutes of Movement Cuts Heart Attack Death Risk by Half—Study Offers Lifesaving Insight for Cameroon

Researchers found that swapping out just 30 minutes of sitting for light activity like cleaning or walking can halve the risk of a fatal cardiovascular event. Those who engaged in more vigorous activity, such as jogging, reduced their risk by up to 61%. The findings, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, tracked 600 patients, average age 62, who had presented with symptoms of heart disease at a New York hospital.

Why This Matters for Cameroon

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks, is an emerging threat in sub-Saharan Africa—Cameroon included—as lifestyles become increasingly sedentary, especially in urban areas.

While precise national statistics on heart attack mortality in Cameroon remain limited, global estimates indicate a troubling rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in Cameroon after infectious diseases, accounting for approximately 16% of all adult deaths. A 2023 estimate from the Ministry of Public Health indicated that about 12,000 Cameroonians die each year from complications related to heart disease, including myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). The numbers are expected to climb as rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes increase.

“Heart disease used to be rare here, but now we see more young and middle-aged people in emergency rooms with chest pain or stroke symptoms,” says Dr. Claudine Ebogo, a cardiologist at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala.

Movement as Medicine—Even in Simple Forms

What makes the Columbia study particularly relevant for Cameroonians is its emphasis on accessible physical activity. No gym membership or marathon training required—light daily movement like gardening, cooking, or walking the dog was enough to yield significant benefits.

“Our study shows you don’t need to run marathons after a heart scare to improve survival,” said lead author Keith Diaz, an exercise physiologist. “Replacing couch time with light chores can make a big difference.”

In the study, those who were most sedentary—sitting for up to 16 hours a day—had a 2.5 times higher risk of dying within a year compared to those who moved more.

Cameroon’s Challenge: Inactivity Meets Limited Awareness

Cameroon’s urban working class spends increasing hours behind desks or in traffic, and few are aware of the dangers of prolonged sitting. Compounding the issue is the low public awareness about heart disease symptoms and prevention strategies.

“People in Cameroon are more likely to seek help late, when it’s already an emergency,” warns Dr. Ebogo. “There is still the perception that heart attacks are a ‘white man’s disease’.”

Yet cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure affect more than 30% of Cameroonian adults, according to a 2022 national health survey. And unlike infectious diseases, heart disease often progresses silently—until it strikes.

A Wake-Up Call

The Columbia study sends a clear message to policymakers, employers, and families: encourage everyday movement. Whether it’s a community walk, promoting breaks in offices, or simply encouraging elders to stay active, small changes can save lives.

Could a national awareness campaign on sedentary lifestyles help curb heart disease in Cameroon? Should employers integrate more physical activity into daily work routines? How can rural and urban communities adapt movement-friendly solutions with limited resources?