Research shows that walking at Brisker’s pace can reduce the risk of wider cardiac rhythm problems.
Peer-reviewed research, BMJ Heartanalyzed data from 420,925 participants from the UK Biobank, which provided data on walking speed. Of these, 81,956 provided more detailed data on the time spent walking at different paces.
Studies have defined slow paces as below 3 mph. Stable/average pace of 3-4 mph. And then there was an active pace of over 4 miles. Only 6.5% of participants had slow walking pace, 53% had an average walking pace, and 41% had an active walking pace.
Following these individuals for an average of 13 years showed that 36,574 participants (9%) developed some form of cardiac rhythm abnormality.
After taking into account background demographics and lifestyle factors, the average or active walking pace was associated with a 35% and 43% lower risk of all cardiac rhythm abnormalities compared to slow walking pace, respectively.
These higher walking speeds were also associated with lower risk of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmia.
The time spent walking at a slow pace was not associated with the risk of developing heart rhythmic abnormalities, but the longer time spent walking at an average or active pace was 27% lower in the risk.
Overall, approximately 36% of the association between walking pace and all cardiac rhythm abnormalities were affected by metabolic and inflammatory factors.
Demographic and lifestyle factors explained by the study include participants who report a faster walking pace more likely to be male, tend to live in disadvantaged areas, and have a healthier lifestyle.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the upper heart chamber is irregularly fast, while ventricular arrhythmia occurs when an abnormal heart rhythm begins in the lower chamber.
Heart rhythm problems, if left untreated, can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. This can occur when there is a problem with the electrical system that bends the heart.
The researchers noted that the study was observational. This means that no solid conclusions are drawn as to whether walking at an active pace is a direct cause of a low risk of heart rhythm abnormalities.
This study was also limited by the fact that participants were self-reported and did not reflect a broad spectrum of age or ethnic background. The average age was 55 years old, 55% were female, and 97% were white.
A researcher led by Professor Jill Pell of the University of Glasgow said: “This study is the first to explore the pathways that underpin the link between walking pace and arrhythmia, providing evidence that metabolism and inflammatory factors may play a role.
“This finding is biologically plausible as cumulative epidemiological studies show that walking pace is inversely proportional to metabolic factors such as obesity, HBA1c, and more. [fasting glucose]diabetes, and [high blood pressure] This is related to the risk of arrhythmia. ”
