Sitting is the worst thing ever...Brisk walking can lower your risk of this disease.

A US study also reported that brisk walking reduced the risk of heart failure by 34%. However, there are several factors to consider. Based on health data from the Cleveland Clinic, we explore the link between walking speed and heart health.

Walking briskly is good for your heart.

The relationship between walking speed and heart health reflects a fundamental principle of cardiology: overall physical fitness and muscle strength are important factors in predicting the risk of developing heart disease. A fast walking speed can be seen as a sign of a healthy body and sufficient muscle mass.

Numerous studies have previously shown that higher cardiorespiratory fitness and activity levels are associated with better heart health. Therefore, walking speed can be interpreted as an overall indicator of heart health. Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Dr. Ashish Sarraju advises thinking of walking speed as a daily "stress test." Specifically, he believes that changes in walking speed can be used to detect health problems early.

There's some debate as to whether faster walking speeds lead to a healthier heart, or whether faster walking speeds are a result of healthy lifestyle habits. However, the important thing remains that increasing physical fitness ultimately benefits heart health.

Don't just increase your walking speed

Simply increasing your walking speed isn't enough to maintain heart health. A healthy diet also has a significant impact on the heart and cardiovascular system. While healthy foods promote smooth blood circulation, fatty and sugary foods can clog blood vessels and strain the heart. Smoking and excessive drinking are also particularly detrimental to heart health. Avoiding these habits can help maintain a healthy heart.

Sitting is the worst

A sedentary lifestyle is the worst thing you can do. It can contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to maintain heart health. Brisk walking qualifies as moderate-intensity exercise. Unfortunately, only about 20% of adults and adolescents consistently meet this goal.

If you have any existing health conditions, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can work with an exercise physiologist to design a personalized exercise program. Ultimately, remember that moving more is far more beneficial than moving less.