According to research published in the journal Circulation, older adults who walk three to four miles daily (7,500 to 10,000 steps) — are 40 to 50 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those who walk a mile (2,500 steps) per day.
Can walking reduce the risk of heart disease?
These findings are based on data gathered from eight studies involving 20,152 participants aged 18 and older. A device measured their walking, and health was tracked, on average, for more than six years.
For those 60 and older, the more steps they walked, the lower their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) was. However, the study showed no association between steps taken and CVD risk for young adults.
The probable reason for that, the researchers wrote, is that CVD “is a disease of aging” that generally is not diagnosable until risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes have progressed for years.
The researchers did not particularly study the possible link between distance walking and specific types of cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmia or heart failure, but rather focused on heart disease overall. The study also did not cover the possible additional benefit of higher intensity or pace of walking.
Health benefits of walking has been a favorite research topic
Multiple Studies have found a close link between walking and health benefits. Read on…
For example, another study from the same research group, published in the Lancet, showed a similar relationship between steps taken by older adults and a reduced risk of death from any cause. One more study that was published in JAMA Internal Medicine also found that walking at a faster pace significantly improves risk reduction.
And, though the American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps per day, it also says that just a mile of walking can provide health benefits.
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About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He
passed Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, USA obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says: “For me, age is just a number!”
