Weightlifting is good for your heart and it doesn't take much. Lifting weights for less than an hour a week may reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent, according to a new study. Spending more than an hour in the weight room did not yield any additional benefit, the researchers found. The results show benefits of strength training are independent of running, walking or other aerobic activity. Source 8o.
In the US, there seems to be such a large push for cardio and aerobics for heart health. If supported, this finding should be changing that. There are some people in the gym spending hours on the treadmill or bikes.
I think that a sensible balance is needed.
As a forty something man I manage to get in about ten hours plus of exercise a week.
About 60% is vigorous cardio, 20% is lighter cardio, 10% is stretching and flexibility work and the remaining 10% is resistance (Strength) related.
This mix works really well for me in maintaining a healthy weight and including resistance work is important as muscles naturally start to lose their strength.