It is often mentioned that walking quickly can be effective in preventing heart disease. In particular, people who walk briskly regularly tend to have better heart health than those who walk slowly.

A study in the United States also reported that brisk walking reduces the risk of heart failure by 34%. However, there are several aspects to consider. Based on health data from the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, we examine the relationship between walking speed and heart health.

 

Walking quickly is good for the heart

 

The relationship between walking speed and heart health reflects the fundamental principles of cardiology. In other words, overall physical fitness and muscle strength are important factors in predicting the risk of developing heart disease. A faster walking speed can be seen as a sign that the body is healthy and has sufficient muscle mass.

Previous research has shown that higher levels of cardio fitness and activity are associated with better heart health. Therefore, walking speed can be interpreted as an overall indicator of heart health. Dr. Ashish Sarraju, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, advised to think of walking speed as a daily 'stress test.' In particular, changes in walking speed can be used to detect health issues early.

There is debate over whether walking faster makes the heart healthier or if a healthy lifestyle leads to faster walking speed. However, the important thing is that building physical fitness ultimately helps heart health.

 

Don't just increase your walking speed.

 

Simply increasing walking speed is not enough to maintain heart health. Healthy eating habits also have a significant impact on the heart and cardiovascular system. Consuming healthy foods allows blood to circulate smoothly, while greasy and sugary foods can clog blood vessels and strain the heart. In particular, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also harmful to heart health. Avoiding these habits helps keep the heart healthy.

 

 

Sitting is the worst.

 

A sedentary lifestyle is the worst. It can contribute to various 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 falls under this moderate-intensity exercise. However, unfortunately, only about 20% of adults and adolescents are consistently meeting this goal.

 

If you have existing health issues before starting exercise, it is essential to consult with a doctor. The doctor can help design a personalized exercise program in collaboration with an exercise physiologist. Ultimately, it is important to remember that moving more is far more beneficial than moving less.