A study published in the journal Heart indicates that walking at an average or brisk pace can reduce the risk of heart rhythm issues such as atrial fibrillation, a condition expected to affect 12.1 million Americans by 2030. The research, which analyzed data from 420,925 participants, found that those walking at an average pace had a 35% lower risk of arrhythmia, while brisk walkers had a 43% reduced risk. These benefits were most pronounced in women, individuals under 60, those with a BMI under 30, hypertensive individuals, and those with multiple chronic conditions. Although the study was observational and doesn't establish causation, it highlights that faster walking is associated with healthier lifestyles and lower metabolic and inflammatory risk factors. Experts recommend gradually increasing walking pace for heart benefits, particularly for those with existing health issues, while emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare providers when necessary.

The study focused on the link between walking speed and the risk of developing arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, which can lead to strokes and other cardiac events. The study found that increasing walking pace could significantly lower the risk of such heart rhythm abnormalities.

Researchers used a large-scale biomedical database, the UK Biobank, with data from over 420,000 participants, categorizing walking pace into slow, average, and brisk. They found that faster walking was associated with lower rates of arrhythmias over a 13-year period.

Men, people living in less deprived neighborhoods, and those with healthier lifestyles and lower metabolic risk factors were more likely to walk at faster paces. Faster walkers also exhibited lower levels of inflammation and had fewer chronic health conditions.

The study's findings are limited by its observational nature, which means it cannot prove causation, and by its sample demographics, which were predominantly younger and white, limiting generalizability to older or more diverse populations.

Walking is suggested to improve heart health by balancing the autonomic nervous system, enhancing heart efficiency, and reducing blood pressure and inflammation. It is recommended as an accessible form of exercise that can be gradually intensified for those with chronic conditions.

According to experts, walking can be done on treadmills or outdoors, with hilly terrains offering better workouts. Enjoyment of the activity is emphasized as it increases the likelihood of maintaining a regular exercise routine.