Walk at a fast pace for a healthy heart

Walking a little faster or for a few extra blocks may be good for older adults' hearts, says a new study. Modest physical activity was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This was true even among men and women older than age 75. Those who were more active had significantly lower risk of future heart attacks and stroke. Adults who walked at a pace faster than three miles per hour (mph) had a 50 per cent, 53per cent, 50per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and total CVD, compared to those who walked at a slower pace. Those who walked an average of seven blocks per day had a lower risk of CHD, stroke and total CVD, respectively, compared to those who walked less. Those who did activities such as lawn-mowing, raking, gardening, swimming, biking and hiking, also had a lower risk of CHD, stroke and total CVD. The study appears in Circulation. — Agencies