How Many Steps to Take for Heart Health
Walking is excellent for your heart.
But how much do you need to do to really make a difference?
The standard step count for heart health is considered 10,000 steps daily.
It’s a daunting number for many folks. If this is you, it could cause you to quit before you’ve even started.
Well, I’ve got great news. Your walking goals just got a LOT easier…
Recent research reveals getting less than HALF of that standard 10,000 steps can give you DRAMATIC heart benefits.
For the study, a group of female volunteers over 63 wore motion trackers for up to seven consecutive days to obtain their average daily step count.
They were then followed for about seven and a half years.
The women who walked just 3,600 steps daily had a 25 to 30 percent lower risk of heart failure.
For reference, that’s about the average number of daily steps adults take, about 1.5-2 miles.
Now, to be clear, I’m NOT discouraging you from moving MORE than that. In fact, as expected, the study confirmed the more movement you get, the better off you are.
- For every 70 minutes spent doing light-intensity movements, such as household chores or caregiving, there was a 12 percent lower risk of developing heart failure.
- And for every 30 minutes spent doing moderate to vigorous exercises, like walking, climbing stairs, or doing yard work, there was a 16 percent lower risk.
On the flip side, for every hour and a half of sedentary time, there was a 17 percent HIGHER risk of heart failure.
The bottom line is, you don’t have to move nearly as much as you’ve been led to believe—or at nearly the intensity—to gain BIG heart benefits.
In other words, no excuses. It’s time to get moving.
P.S. ALERT… this medicine cabinet staple sends heart failure risk rising.
SOURCE:
LaMonte MJ, LaCroix AZ, Nguyen S, et al. Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Heart Failure Risk in Women Aged 63 to 99 Years. JAMA Cardiol. Published online February 21, 2024. doi: 10.1001 /jamacardio .2023.5692
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]
Slash Painful Nighttime Leg Cramps
On this Veterans Day, my team and I honor and thank all who have served in our armed forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedoms will never be forgotten. Not all health problems are life-threatening. There are plenty that threaten your quality of life. Nighttime leg cramps are one of them. […]
Life-Saving Fats Shield Against Cancer—Here’s How
The word “cancer” alone can stir up fear and worry, especially as we watch friends or family face its challenges. It’s one of the most brutal battles our bodies can go through. And prevention has never been more essential. While there are no guarantees, we have more tools than ever to reduce our risks. And […]