Going for a jog or taking a brisk walk every day could reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke by 50%, according to new research.

Scientists studied the health of over 10,000 people for 10 years. They found that people who jogged or who had a higher walking speed had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, than those who had more sedentary lives or who walked at slower speeds.

Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study reminds us that it is only physical activities that leave us feeling warm or breathing more heavily that are good for our health.

"Jogging or walking briskly makes the heart beat faster - exercising the heart muscle - and we should all try to do activities each day which get the blood pumping.

"So if you want to make the walk to work or to the shops part of keeping your heart healthy then try turning it from a leisurely stroll into a power walk to get the benefits."