You may not realize it, but the way you walk can provide valuable clues about your heart health. Gait, or the way you walk, has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

In fact, an abnormal gait pattern has been found to be a better predictor of heart disease than traditional risk factors such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

How Does Gait Affect Heart Health?

Researchers have found that gait can provide insights into the health of our cardiovascular system. When we walk, our feet strike the ground, and this generates a shock wave that travels through our arteries and blood vessels.

This shock wave helps to keep our blood vessels elastic, or flexible, which is important for maintaining healthy blood flow through our circulatory system.

However, if we have an abnormal gait pattern, this shock wave can become disrupted, leading to stiffer blood vessels and increased resistance to blood flow.

This can put a strain on the heart, which has to work harder to pump blood through the circulatory system. Over time, this can lead to atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

What Are Some Common Gait Abnormalities?

There are several types of gait abnormalities that have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are some of the most common:.

Shuffling Gait

A shuffling gait is characterized by short, shuffling steps and a lack of swing in the arms. This gait pattern is often seen in people with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement.

It has been associated with an increased risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries in older adults.

Excessive Pronation

Pronation refers to the inward rolling motion of the foot during walking or running.

Excessive pronation, or overpronation, can cause the foot to flatten and the arch to collapse, leading to a variety of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and shin splints. It has also been linked with an increased risk of knee and hip pain, as well as cardiovascular disease.

Lack of Arm Swing

A lack of arm swing during walking can be a sign of neurological or musculoskeletal problems.

It has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly because it affects the shock wave that travels through the body during walking.

Gait Speed

Walking speed is an important marker of health in older adults. A slower walking speed has been linked with an increased risk of falls, disability, and mortality.

It has also been found to be a predictor of cardiovascular disease and stroke in older adults.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Gait?

If you’re concerned about your gait, there are several things you can do to improve it and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease:.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help to improve your gait and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Walking, cycling, swimming, and other low-impact exercises can help to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and increase your cardiovascular fitness.

Wear Proper Shoes

Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning can help to improve your gait and reduce your risk of foot problems. Look for shoes that fit well, are comfortable to wear, and provide good shock absorption.

Check Your Medications

Some medications can affect your gait and increase your risk of falls. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any medications you are taking could be affecting your gait, and don’t be afraid to ask for alternative medications if needed.

See a Physical Therapist

If you have a gait abnormality, seeing a physical therapist can help you to improve your gait and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and help you to develop a more efficient gait pattern.

The Bottom Line

Your gait can provide valuable insights into the health of your cardiovascular system. By paying attention to your gait and taking steps to improve it, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health and well-being.