Walking faster linked to longer life, study finds

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - As warmer weather approaches, many are looking to improve their fitness, and recent findings suggest that picking up the pace could be key to a healthier heart and a longer life.

Teresa Thomas, a patient at Ohio's Christ Hospital Cardiac Rehab, discovered the importance of exercise after undergoing emergency triple bypass surgery.

"I ended up having a triple bypass, and I never knew I had heart problems," said Thomas.

Bart Sharkey, another patient who had open-heart surgery on February 10, is also learning the benefits of increased physical activity. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, not only the number of steps but also the speed at which you walk can significantly impact longevity.

Exercise physiologist Natalie Weneck explained, "Obviously you are going to build up muscle, strength, bone density."

The study found that walking faster is associated with a reduced risk of death, regardless of the number of steps taken daily.

However, Weneck reassured those unable to walk quickly, saying, "That's same with walking longer distances as well, you're gonna get better benefits to your heart with both."

For those just starting out, fitness specialists recommend "exercise snacks," which involve short bursts of activity a few times a day. A separate study indicated that reaching up to 7,000 steps, or about three miles a day, can reduce the risk of death from heart problems by 51 percent.

Teresa Thomas noted, "I do feel a lot stronger already," highlighting the positive impact of regular exercise on both body and soul.