By walking at least 3,967 steps a day may reduce the risk of dying from any cause, and 2,337 steps a day may reduce the risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), a new study has shown. The new analysis of 2,26,889 people from 17 different studies worldwide has shown that the more you walk, the greater the health benefits.

According to the study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the risk of dying from any cause or from cardiovascular disease decreases significantly with every 500 to 1,000 extra steps you walk. An increase of 1,000 steps a day was associated with a 15 per cent reduction in the risk of dying from any cause, and an increase of 500 steps a day was associated with a 7 per cent reduction in dying from cardiovascular disease.