Heart Health
Taking fewer daily steps still offers protection from heart problems
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Studies have found that walking at least 7,000 or more steps per day is linked to better heart health. But even 4,500 daily steps may lower your risk of cardiovascular problems like coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2023.
Researchers analyzed health data for 452 people (average age 78) who wore an accelerometer — a device that measures daily steps — for at least 10 hours a day for at least three days. At a follow-up more than three years later, the researchers found that, compared with people who took less than 2,000 steps per day, those who took approximately 4,500 steps daily had a 77% lower risk of having heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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