Short bursts of incidental vigorous physical exertion, lasting less than a minute each, may almost halve the risk of a major cardiovascular event, such as heart attack or heart failure among women who don't exercise regularly, finds research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Short, intense bursts of activity - such as climbing the stairs or carrying heavy shopping - could reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke and heart failure in women by up to 45%, a study suggested