Brisk Walking Slashes Heart Rhythm Disorder Risk by 43%, Landmark Study Reveals

[CharlieH]

Key Developments:

• Brisk walkers (4+ mph) had a 43% lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities than slow walkers.

• Average pace (3–4 mph) cut risk by 35%; more time at these speeds reduced risk by 27%.

• Benefits were strongest in women, under-60s, and non-obese people.

• Metabolic and inflammatory factors explained 36% of the risk reduction.

• Study is observational: No proof brisk walking directly causes lower risk.

Core Analysis:

The most dramatic finding: People who regularly walked at a brisk pace—over 4 miles per hour—were 43% less likely to develop heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation and tachycardia, over 13 years. Even those who walked at an average speed (3–4 mph) saw a significant 35% risk reduction compared to slow walkers. “We saw a reduced risk of heart rhythm abnormalities among people who described their usual walking pace as average or brisk,” said Professor Jill Pell, lead author of the study.

 

The study analyzed data from over 420,000 UK Biobank participants, with 82,000 providing detailed information on walking pace and duration. Notably, more time spent walking at an average or brisk pace was associated with a 27% lower risk of developing arrhythmias, but time spent at a slow pace showed no benefit. The protective effect was especially pronounced in women, people under 60, those who weren’t obese, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

 

Researchers found that about 36% of the link between walking pace and arrhythmia risk was explained by improvements in metabolic and inflammatory factors—such as reductions in obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. “Walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia,” Pell explained. These findings were independent of other cardiovascular risk factors like smoking or alcohol use.

 

However, the study was observational and relied on self-reported data, meaning it cannot prove that brisk walking directly prevents heart rhythm disorders. The sample was mostly white, middle-aged, and relatively healthy, limiting how widely the results can be applied. Still, the biological link is plausible: brisk walking improves metabolic health, which is closely tied to heart rhythm stability.

Why It Matters:

Heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, are on the rise globally and can lead to stroke, heart failure, and sudden death. This study highlights a simple, accessible habit—walking faster—that could drastically reduce risk for millions. With heart disease a leading global killer, these findings reinforce the power of lifestyle changes in preventing life-threatening conditions.

[GammaGlobulin]

Makes complete sense.

 

But, did we really need any study to inform us that this is very likely true?

No.

 

We knew it.

 

[still kicking]

What do you do if you are in a wheelchair?

[CharlieH]

10 hours ago, still kicking said:

What do you do if you are in a wheelchair?

Upper body strength training, use it or lose it. 😀

Find a safe flat site and wheel yourself vigorously.

[BangkokReady]

20 hours ago, still kicking said:

What do you do if you are in a wheelchair?

 

Some sort of swimming-based exercise.

[Cat Boy]

On 4/19/2025 at 12:23 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

Makes complete sense.

 

But, did we really need any study to inform us that this is very likely true?

No.

 

We knew it.

 

"If sence were common...." 

 

Yes, we knew it, but such studies provide further support and justification to hopefully shake off blatant denial, accept fact-based truth, and begin to exercise, eat properly, actively challenge our minds and build health and wellness now, greatly reducing the liklihood of infirmity and dementia in years to come 

[BangkokReady]

1 minute ago, Cat Boy said:

"If sence were common...." 

 

Yes, we knew it, but such studies provide further support and justification to hopefully shake off blatant denial, accept fact-based truth, and begin to exercise, eat properly, actively challenge our minds and build health and wellness now, greatly reducing the liklihood of infirmity and dementia in years to come 

 

Yes, a lot of people know that it's good to get a walk in every day, not even as "exercise" but as a minimum on top of things like going to the gym.  Not everyone knows how effective it is, though.  Things like this help, as it means that people are more likely to add a daily brisk walk to their routine.

[GammaGlobulin]

33 minutes ago, Cat Boy said:

"If sence were common...." 

 

Yes, we knew it, but such studies provide further support and justification to hopefully shake off blatant denial, accept fact-based truth, and begin to exercise, eat properly, actively challenge our minds and build health and wellness now, greatly reducing the liklihood of infirmity and dementia in years to come 

 

Do you have a link to this comment?

Seems written by an AI.

And, I have found that it's wise to always question AI output.

 

The fact that exercise can lead to fewer cardiac events, and fewer cardiac anomalies has been long known.

 

However, or one single study to say, with such exactitude, how the population will be affected is probably a stretch.

 

It would have been better to report the results in more scientific terms.

For example, 43 percent.

How was this number calculated and what is the confidence level and error range, just to mention a few things.

 

It would be good to have a link to this study, rather than just read a summary in some magazine written by someone who is not familiar with science.

 

 

If some reported result from some study might sound interesting, then it is important to go to the source article, BMJ in this case,

And then actually read what the authors are reporting.

 

Meanwhile, as I have already stated, and has been stated throughout the years, that brisk walking, or even just walking at a moderate pace, can improve heart health.

 

This study seems to try to quantify this.

But, the data is self-reported.

 

And, a good idea to actually read the study, oneself.

 

 

[rough diamond]

2 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

And, I have found that it's wise to always question AI output.

That  is NOT what you said in your first few posts wrt to AI!

Especially the Chinese one which you adored and claimed was better than Chat GP!

[Cat Boy]

3 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Do you have a link to this comment?

Seems written by an AI.

And, I have found that it's wise to always question AI output.

 

The fact that exercise can lead to fewer cardiac events, and fewer cardiac anomalies has been long known.

 

However, or one single study to say, with such exactitude, how the population will be affected is probably a stretch.

 

It would have been better to report the results in more scientific terms.

For example, 43 percent.

How was this number calculated and what is the confidence level and error range, just to mention a few things.

 

It would be good to have a link to this study, rather than just read a summary in some magazine written by someone who is not familiar with science.

 

 

If some reported result from some study might sound interesting, then it is important to go to the source article, BMJ in this case,

And then actually read what the authors are reporting.

 

Meanwhile, as I have already stated, and has been stated throughout the years, that brisk walking, or even just walking at a moderate pace, can improve heart health.

 

This study seems to try to quantify this.

But, the data is self-reported.

 

And, a good idea to actually read the study, oneself.

 

 

There are countless studies over many decades to support the conclusion that exercise supports cardiac health, reduces the risk of cardio-vascular disease, heart attack and stroke, as well as, more recently greatly reduced risk of vascular dementia, and combined with proper sleep and nutrition, Alzheimer's.

It's NOT rocket science; ASEAN NOW is NOT a scientific forum, nor Facebook comments or any other banal social media. If you're actually interested in the subject, do your own research. Start with Google and move onto Google Scholar to delve in-depth into the original published studies.

For vascular dementia start with the research being conducted by Dean Sherzai and Ayesha Sherzai

neurologists, researchers, and codirectors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles

I've done my research, and continue to actively. You do yours, that's on you.

From there it's all about actually taking action to integrate these findings into a healthy lifestyle. The point has been made, the evidence is profound, degenerative diseases like cardiovascular disease and dementia establish over decades. The actions one takes in one's 40's will in large measure determine one's physical and mental fitness in one's 60s 70s and beyond.

[3NUMBAS]

Who was that jogging expert who droppped dead in his 50s

 

Look at Jim Fixx!” cry the couch potatoes, citing the celebrity runner credited with kick-starting the jogging craze in the 1970s. At the age of 52, Fixx famously dropped dead from a heart attack midway through a run. Could exercise be a killer lying in wait for the unwary?

[Moonlover]

The best investment I have made recently was a humble smart watch. At only 500 THB it the most useful item I have when it comes to getting my daily walk up to speed. I can now walk at 8 kph and keep up the pace for an hour at least. Not at all bad for 79 year old.

 

I endeavour to do an hour's walk every day. Only intense rain or a thunder storm will stop me. That's when I jump on my elliptical trainer instead.

[Cat Boy]

The picture posted along with this thread looks just like my brother (it's not), who died suddenly, unexpectedly, 12 years ago, when he had just turned 62.

I say ironically, because, he never exercised, but wasn't over-weight, never smoked, nor drank alcohol excessively. And yet, after preparing a lifetime for his security and retirement, saving and investing, he was to retire, his last of work, on the Thursday, which was to be his 62nd birthday, Halloween. However, the lady in HR had recommended that he work on the Friday, which was the 1sst of the month, and that way he'd automatically be covered for the month of November on healthcare. So he did. All plans in place. Yet, on the Monday, he took a shower, followed by his wife, who a few minutes later, came out to find him slumped dead on the floor from a massive heart attack.

The actions we take in our 40s, proper nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, sleep and mental engagement, along with preventative healthcare, boost our likelihood of not just long life, but health, physically and mentally. This is in no way controversial, and yet, for the vast majority, denial not only of the inevitability of death, but likelihood of infirmity and loss of independence, and the steps which can be taken to mitigate or delay that likelihood, or impact, is ignored.

[Moonlover]

2 hours ago, 3NUMBAS said:

Who was that jogging expert who droppped dead in his 50s

 

Look at Jim Fixx!” cry the couch potatoes, citing the celebrity runner credited with kick-starting the jogging craze in the 1970s. At the age of 52, Fixx famously dropped dead from a heart attack midway through a run. Could exercise be a killer lying in wait for the unwary?

Ah yes. Jim Fixx. Every lazy couch potatoes excuse for being so inclined. 'Look what exercise for him'. Well let's expose the truth shall we.

 

Fixx started running in 1967 at age 35. At that time, he weighed 240 pounds and smoked two packs of cigarettes per day. Ten years later, when his Complete Book of Running was published, he had taken off more than 70 pounds and had given up smoking. It has also been suggested that he had a  genetic predisposition for heart problems.

 

Not exactly a role model when it comes to looking after ones health. Sounds more like he was a train wreak just waiting to happen!

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11926483/