Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise—and it turns out it could also help protect your heart. A recent study suggests that brisk walking may reduce the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, offering a potential new strategy for heart health prevention.
In France alone, around 22% of adults in 2022 were dealing with some form of cardiovascular issue or were considered at risk. These included atrial fibrillation (an irregular and fast heartbeat in the upper chambers), tachycardia (a heart rate that’s too fast), and bradycardia (a heart rate that’s too slow). Identifying lifestyle changes that can reduce these risks is becoming more important than ever.
How fast do you walk?
Researchers analyzed data from over 420,000 participants in the UK Biobank. For nearly 82,000 of them, detailed information was available on how much time they spent walking at various speeds.
They found that:
- 6.5% walked at a slow pace (under 3 mph),
- 53% walked at a moderate pace (3–4 mph),
- 41% walked briskly (over 4 mph).
A noticeable drop in risk
The study, published in BMJ Heart and led by Professor Jill Pell from the University of Glasgow, revealed that people who walked at a moderate pace were 35% less likely to develop heart rhythm problems over about 13 years compared to slow walkers. Even better, fast walkers saw their risk drop by 43%.
Some limits to the study
It’s worth noting this was an observational study, so it doesn’t prove that walking faster causes fewer heart issues. Participants estimated their own walking pace and time, which can lead to reporting errors. Plus, most participants were white and around 55 years old, so the results may not apply to all populations.
Still, the researchers believe the findings make sense biologically. Previous studies have shown that walking speed is linked to metabolic health, which in turn plays a role in heart rhythm disorders. It’s a promising lead in the ongoing search for easy lifestyle habits that can make a big difference in heart health.
Marie Pireddu
Marie Pireddu is a French-English translator specializing in digital marketing, technology, and mobile apps. She is also a business English trainer for professional adults, helping clients master English for international business, with a focus on American culture and corporate communication.
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