Brisk Walking Reduces Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorders by Over 40%, Study Finds

A comprehensive study from the University of Glasgow, published in the medical journal Heart, found that brisk walking is significantly associated with a reduced risk of heart rhythm disorders—particularly atrial fibrillation, one of the most common and dangerous types.

Researchers analyzed data from 420,000 participants in the UK Biobank over a period of about 13 years. Participants were divided into three groups based on their self-reported walking pace: slow (less than 4.8 km/h), average (4.8–6.4 km/h), and fast (over 6.4 km/h).

The results were clear: fast walking reduced the risk of heart rhythm disorders by 43%, while average walking pace reduced the risk by 35%, compared to slow walkers.

The study showed that about 36% of the positive impact of brisk walking is due to improved metabolic and inflammatory markers, such as reduced obesity, better blood sugar regulation, and lower inflammation levels. These effects were particularly notable among women, individuals under age 60, those without obesity, people with high blood pressure, and those with other underlying conditions.

The researchers note that data was collected from both self-reported surveys and digital step counters, adding to the reliability of the findings. However, they emphasize that this is an observational study and therefore a direct causal relationship cannot be definitively established. Additionally, most participants were white and middle-aged, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Despite the limitations, the key takeaway is that brisk walking is a simple and accessible way to improve heart health and reduce the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. Incorporating a brisk walk into your daily routine may be a small step with big benefits for long-term health.