A study analyzing over 36,000 people with high blood pressure has found that taking more steps and walking faster is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular problems. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that every extra 1,000 steps was linked to a 17% reduction in the risk of developing a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), up to 10,000 steps.
The study found that even walking at a slower pace than the recommended daily target of 10,000 steps per day can still provide health benefits. Participants who walked faster had a lower risk of heart problems, stroke, and heart failure compared to those who walked at a slower pace.
High blood pressure affects approximately 1.28 billion people worldwide, increasing their risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure by 49%, 62%, and 77-89% respectively. The study provides new insights into how physical activity can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with high blood pressure.
Researchers concluded that even a small increase in daily step count can have significant health benefits, making walking faster a valuable strategy for maintaining heart health. Clinicians are advised to promote physical activity as standard care for patients with high blood pressure, and future public health recommendations may consider promoting higher stepping intensity.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-faster-linked-cardiovascular-events-people.html