This simple push-up test could uncover hidden heart risks: AIIMS-trained doctor explains how completing 40 push-ups might slash heart attack chances |

Heart attacks and strokes continue to be among the leading causes of death globally, but a simple exercise like push-ups may offer important clues about your heart health. More than just a measure of strength, push-ups serve as an accessible indicator of overall cardiovascular fitness. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist trained at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore and currently practising at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, explains that being able to perform around forty consecutive push-ups is strongly associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. This ability reflects not only upper-body strength but also endurance and aerobic capacity, highlighting how regular physical activity and maintaining overall fitness play a key role in protecting the heart.

How push-up ability can reveal your heart’s true strength

In 2019, a study published in JAMA Network Open examined over a thousand male firefighters to investigate the relationship between push-up capacity and heart health. The findings were remarkable. Participants able to perform more than forty consecutive push-ups exhibited a 96% lower risk of major cardiovascular events including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrests over a ten-year period compared to those who managed fewer than ten.Push-up capacity reflects a combination of muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. The study also highlighted that performance in push-ups is closely linked to aerobic capacity (VO₂ max), a critical measure of heart and lung efficiency. This connection suggests that push-ups offer a simple yet powerful snapshot of overall heart health, particularly for the upper body and cardiovascular system.

Understanding the limitations of push-up studies on heart health

While these results are promising, it is important to recognise the study’s limitations. The participants were all physically active, middle-aged male firefighters, with an average age of around forty. Therefore, the findings may not fully extend to women, older adults, or individuals leading more sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, the research established a correlation rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. In other words, being able to perform forty or more push-ups reflects a high level of overall fitness rather than being a guarantee that push-ups alone prevent heart attacks.

Full-body benefits of push-ups beyond heart health

Push-ups offer more than just a measure of cardiovascular fitness. According to the reports, this bodyweight exercise helps burn calories efficiently, strengthens the shoulders and lower back, reduces the risk of injury, improves balance and posture, enhances flexibility, and boosts overall athletic performance. By engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, push-ups build functional strength that supports everyday movements and enhances physical resilience.Regular push-up practice contributes to a stronger musculoskeletal system and better endurance, which are essential for maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. These benefits, combined with their positive effect on cardiovascular health, make push-ups a versatile and highly effective exercise for overall wellbeing.

Incorporating push-ups into your daily routine

For those seeking to improve heart health and general fitness, push-ups are both accessible and effective. Beginners can start with smaller sets, gradually increasing repetitions as strength and endurance improve. Integrating push-ups with aerobic exercises, a balanced diet, and other healthy lifestyle habits can further enhance cardiovascular resilience.Dr Sudhir Kumar explains, “Completing forty push-ups is not just about the exercise itself—it’s a reflection of your overall physical fitness, which strongly correlates with reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.” By committing to a consistent push-up routine, individuals can build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and take proactive steps towards reducing the risk of major heart-related events. This simple yet powerful exercise underscores how small, regular fitness habits can have a profound impact on long-term health.Also Read | Continuous night sweats could be an early warning sign of cancer: Understanding warning signs, causes and when to seek medical advice