Surprising Heart Fix To Prevent Arrhythmias
A new study published in the journal Heart suggests that walking at a brisk pace can significantly reduce the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms. Researchers found that individuals who walked faster than 4 miles per hour had a notably lower risk—about 43%—of experiencing heart rhythm disorders compared to those who walked slower than 3 miles per hour. The duration of time spent walking at a moderate or brisk pace also played a role, with those individuals experiencing a 27% lower risk.
The research, led by Jill Pell from the University of Glasgow, utilized data from nearly 421,000 participants in the UK Biobank project. Around 82,000 of those participants wore activity trackers to provide objective measures of their walking speeds. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their pace: brisk, average, and slow. The majority fell into the average category, while a smaller portion walked at either slow or brisk speeds.
Results showed that those walking at an average or brisk pace had a reduced chance of developing any heart rhythm issues. More specifically, the risk of atrial fibrillation—a serious condition linked to increased stroke risk—was considerably lower in these groups. Average-paced walkers had a 38% lower risk, and brisk walkers saw a 46% reduction in risk.
The study also explored why walking pace might affect heart rhythm. Researchers found that about one-third of the relationship could be explained by improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation—factors known to be influenced by regular, vigorous physical activity. These biological improvements help reduce obesity and support overall cardiovascular health.
Overall, the findings add to growing evidence that walking briskly has major health benefits. The study suggests that increasing walking pace could be a simple, cost-effective strategy to prevent heart rhythm disorders, especially among adults looking for manageable ways to stay active and healthy.
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