High blood pressure affects nearly a quarter of adults in the UK, increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke. A recent study found that walking more can significantly reduce this risk, even if you don’t reach the recommended 10,000 steps per day.
Researchers analyzed data from over 36,000 people with high blood pressure and discovered that every additional 1,000 steps reduced their cardiovascular risks by 17%. Walking faster was also associated with a lower risk of heart problems. The study’s findings suggest that even a moderate increase in physical activity can lead to significant health benefits.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, used data from the UK Biobank study and found that participants who walked at an average speed of 80 steps per minute had a 30% lower risk of heart problems. The researchers also discovered similar results when analyzing data from people without high blood pressure.
The study’s lead author emphasizes the importance of promoting physical activity as standard care, especially for patients with high blood pressure. The findings can inform new public health recommendations and support a healthier lifestyle for those at risk of heart disease.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/walking-faster-further-heart-attacks-health-b2802764.html