• Research published in the journal *Heart* reveals a strong association between brisk walking and a lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities, including atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, and bradycardia, based on data from 420,925 UK Biobank participants.
• The study, which tracked participants for an average of 13 years, found that those with a brisk walking pace (over 4 miles per hour) had a 43% lower risk of all heart rhythm abnormalities compared to those with a slow pace, and this association held even after accounting for known cardiovascular risk factors.
• The benefits were particularly pronounced in women under 60, non-obese individuals, and those with pre-existing long-term conditions, suggesting that brisk walking may offer additional protective effects in vulnerable populations.
• Interestingly, approximately 36% of the association between walking pace and heart rhythm abnormalities was attributed to metabolic and inflammatory factors, indicating that brisk walking's positive impact may be partly mediated by its influence on these factors.
• While this observational study cannot definitively establish causality, the findings suggest that incorporating brisk walking into a healthy lifestyle may contribute to the prevention of heart rhythm disorders, and further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms.