Brisk walking benefits heart rhythm

Walking at a brisker pace could lower the risk of a wide range of heart rhythm problems according to a study published in BMJ Heart. The researchers analysed data from 420,925 participants of the UK Biobank who had provided data on their walking speed and found that average or brisk walking paces were associated with 35% and 43% lower risks of all heart rhythm abnormalities studied, respectively compared with a slow walking pace.

The study found that participants who walked faster were more likely to be men, live in less deprived areas, have healthier lifestyles and weigh less. They also had better grip strength, smaller waists and lower levels of inflammation and metabolic risk factors such as high cholesterol or blood sugar.