Increasing the number of steps walked per day reduced the risk of death
Increasing the number of steps walked per day by 1000 was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality, and 500 steps per day was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality. To reduce all-cause mortality, the number of steps walked per day must exceed 3,967, and to reduce cardiovascular mortality, the number of steps walked per day must exceed 2,337.Researchers from the Medical University of Lodz and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences evaluated the impact of the number of steps walked per day on mortality. The results of the study were published in the European Heart Journal Preventive Cardiology.
Increasing the number of steps by just 1,000 per day reduced the risk of overall mortality by 15%. Every additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 7% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Compared to participants who walked an average of 3,967 steps per day, people who walked 5,537 steps were 48% less likely to die from all causes. Walking 7370 and 11529 steps per day reduced the risk of all-cause death by 55% and 67%, respectively.
When cardiovascular mortality was assessed, the reference value was 2337 steps. The risk of death from cardiovascular disease was 16% lower in people who walked an average of 3982 steps per day and 49% lower if they walked 6661 steps. The 10413 steps a day group had a 77% lower chance of cardiovascular death.
The scientists analyzed data from 17 studies involving 226,889 people, including both virtually healthy participants and people at risk of cardiovascular disease. The average follow-up time was 7.1 years. Participants were divided into groups depending on the number of steps walked per day.