Overweight heart patients see benefits from walking often and far

"Walk often and walk far." That's the message for heart patients from researchers at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. According to a study published today in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation, overweight patients with coronary heart disease who walked longer at a slower pace improved heart health much more effectively than patients who walked a shorter distance at a brisk pace.

In a first-of-its-kind study, 74 overweight cardiac rehabilitation patients were divided into two groups: One group walked for 45 to 60 minutes a day at a moderate pace for five to six days a week (burning 3,000 to 3,500 calories weekly), and the other group walked, biked, or rowed for 25 to 40 minutes at a brisker pace three times a week (burning 700 to 800 calories weekly). At the end of five months, the patients in the high-calorie burning group lost more weight (18 vs. 8 pounds), body fat, (13 vs. 6 pounds) and inches from their waistlines (2.7 vs. 2 inches). They also had significantly greater improvements in total cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and other heart risk factors. Researchers noted that while the standard rehabilitation has benefit, the high-calorie-burning exercise increased the benefit, which is crucial with the increasing prevalence of obesity. The authors of the study note that today more than 80 percent of patients entering cardiac rehabilitation programs are overweight.

"The higher-caloric exercise, consisting of almost daily long-distance walking, resulted in double the weight loss and a greater fat mass loss than standard cardiac rehabilitation exercise," said Philip A. Ades, M.D., lead author of the study and a professor of medicine and director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington. "And probably most importantly, these patients improved their insulin sensitivity to a greater degree."

There's a definite link between not getting enough exercise and heart problems, and even small amounts of exercise, such as walking your dog or working your garden can help lower your risk of having a heart attack. We've previously reported that moderate exercise reduces coronary-disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, and can increase your "good" HDL cholesterol level. Of course, if you have coronary heart disease or other chronic illnesses consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

—Ginger Skinner

If you're ready to start a walking workout, see our tips on getting more from your walking workout, and see our Ratings (subscribers only) for walking shoes and treadmills.