A recent study revealed that every extra pond of weight increases the risk of heart disease. The study also revealed that even a little amount of physical activity appears to decrease the risk of heart failure.

Research team led by Dr. Satish Kenchaiah followed more than 21,000 physicians for two decades, measuring among other factors like the influence of overweight and physical activity on development of heart failure, the progressive loss of ability to pump blood, which is often a prelude to major coronary events.

Data analysis showed that in study subjects every pound added on, the risk of heart trouble grew, so that obese physicians faced a180 percent increase in their chance of heart failure compared with their leaner colleagues. However exercise can help in reducing this risk.

Kenchaiah said that men who engaged in physical activity anywhere from one to three times a month had an 18 percent reduction in heart failure risk. For those who were active five to seven times a week, the reduction was 36 percent. The more you exercise, the more reduction you achieve.

Overweight or obese persons who do vigorous activity had significantly reduced heart risk as compared with their chubbier or less active compatriots.

Earlier study of these men revealed that those who regularly started their day with a heart-healthy breakfast cereal of whole grains-compared with refined grains-had fewer heart problems.