This Simple Daily Habit Reduces Your Risk Of Irregular Heartbeat By 43 (Image Credits: iStock)
In a world where millions live with heart rhythm disorders, a new study brings hope — and it starts with something as simple as walking. According to a study published in the journal Heart, brisk or even moderately paced walking can significantly reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm irregularities.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of arrhythmia, affects nearly 60 million people globally, as reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). AFib and other arrhythmias not only cause discomfort but also raise the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), making early prevention crucial. While medications and surgical procedures are often used to manage these conditions, researchers now suggest that a faster walking pace might be a powerful preventive strategy.
Brisk Walkers Have Healthier Hearts
In the study, researchers examined walking habits and health outcomes of more than 500,000 adults aged between 40 and 69 as part of the UK Biobank project. Participants were grouped based on their self-reported walking speed — slow (under 3 mph or 4.8 km/h), average (3 to 4 mph or 4.8 to 6.4 km/h), and brisk (over 4 mph or 6.4 km/h).
The findings were compelling:
Brisk walkers had a 43 per cent lower risk of developing arrhythmias compared to slow walkers.
“This study highlights that even a small change in pace can have a big impact,” Dr Pell told CNN. She also pointed out that data from activity-tracking devices (accelerometers) supported these self-reported figures, lending even more credibility to the results.
Who Benefits the Most?
The study found the strongest benefits in people under 60, women, those with high blood pressure, and individuals living with multiple preexisting conditions like diabetes or obesity.
“This is particularly important for women,” Dr Pell said. “Even though women are less likely to develop atrial fibrillation, they’re at a higher risk of complications such as heart attacks and strokes if they do get it.”
When Is the Best Time to Walk?
Experts suggest walking during the early morning or evening hours for maximum heart health benefits, especially in warmer climates. Walking between 6–8 am or after 6 pm helps avoid extreme heat, reduces stress on the body, and allows for better consistency in maintaining a daily walking habit.
For those with busy schedules, short 10- to 15-minute walks broken up throughout the day can still be beneficial. What matters most is consistency and pace.
With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death globally, this study explains how lifestyle changes can help in managing risk. Brisk walking is not only accessible and free but also comes with a long list of health benefits — from improved circulation and blood pressure to reduced anxiety and better sleep.
So if you’ve been thinking about getting more active, consider picking up the pace on your daily walks. A few extra minutes a day could make all the difference for your heart.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
