Are 9,000 steps enough to prevent heart attacks in older adults
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Adults are often told that they should walk 10,000 steps a day to keep their hearts healthy and avoid diseases. However, a new study has found that people over the age of 60 can lower the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease by walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day.
The study published in the journal Circulation analysed data from over 20,000 people living in 43 countries including the US. The average age of subjects was 63 years and 52% of the pool was women.
Scientists have found that there is an incremental reduction in CVD risk with every 1,000 steps you add. Compared to those who walk 2,000 a day, people walking 6,000-9,000 steps had a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes by 40-50%. The findings agree with the results of several other large-scale studies.
Dr Aashish Contractor, Director, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai told The Indian Express that walking 10,000 steps a day is not a massive feat. People can start walking as much as they can and increase it gradually.
Walking 6,000 steps a day will lower insulin resistance in muscles which benefits both heart and blood vessels. It will also lower inflammation. In older adults, walking will keep body weight and blood pressure under control. It will also help to avoid imbalance and constipation.
