Study: Push-up Capacity Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Male Firefighters

Study Finds 96% Lower Heart Disease Rate Among Men Who Can Do 40 Push-Ups

Middle-aged men who can complete 40 or more push-ups had a 96% lower rate of cardiovascular events over 10 years compared with men who could do fewer than 10, according to a Harvard-affiliated study published in JAMA Network Open. ^[1] [2] The study tracked 1,104 male firefighters from 10 Indiana fire departments between 2000 and 2007, with follow-up for up to a decade. ^[3]

Push-up capacity was measured using a standardized metronome-paced test at 80 beats per minute. Participants continued until they completed 80 reps, missed three or more beats, or stopped due to exhaustion or symptoms. Researchers grouped participants into five tiers based on maximum push-ups completed: fewer than 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, and 41 or more. ^[2]

Study Design and Participants

The cohort consisted of active male firefighters from Indiana with an average age of 40 at baseline, according to the study. All participants underwent periodic medical checkups at a single outpatient clinic. ^[3] [2]

Of 1,562 eligible participants, 1,104 had complete push-up data and were included in the final analysis, the authors reported. ^[2] The push-up test was conducted under controlled conditions, with participants performing push-ups in time with a metronome set at 80 beats per minute until they reached 80 reps, missed three or more beats, or stopped due to exhaustion or symptoms such as dizziness or chest pain. ^[2]

Key Results: Push-Up Capacity and Cardiac Event Rates

Over the follow-up period, 37 cardiovascular events occurred across the group, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, according to the researchers. ^[2]

Men who completed 21 to 30 push-ups had a 75% lower rate of cardiac events versus those who did fewer than 10, and men who completed 40 or more had a 96% lower rate. ^[1] [2] The association remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass index, the authors stated. ^[2]

Potential Explanations and Caveats

Push-up capacity reflects whole-body muscular fitness and cardiovascular endurance, both linked to heart health, the authors wrote. ^[4] Men with higher push-up counts also tended to have lower BMIs, better blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and lower smoking rates, which may account for some of the risk reduction. ^[2]

The authors cautioned that the study shows an association, not causation, and that push-up capacity should not be considered an independent clinical predictor of CVD risk. ^[2] A separate body of research has indicated that simple movement tests, such as the sit-and-reach, can assess arterial flexibility, which is a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

Limitations and Applicability

The study included only active male firefighters from Indiana, predominantly White, limiting generalizability to women, older adults, or sedentary populations, the authors stated. ^[2] Push-up data were missing for roughly 25% of the original participant pool, and the analyses were not adjusted for multiple comparisons, which may affect statistical reliability. ^[2]

Researchers called for broader, more diverse studies before push-up testing is adopted as a universal screening tool. ^[2] For individuals starting an exercise program, obtaining a medical checkup is recommended, particularly for men over 40 and women over 50, according to health guidelines. ^[5]

Conclusion: Push-Ups as a Low-Barrier Screening Indicator

The authors noted that push-up testing requires no special equipment, is low cost, and can be performed in almost any setting within two minutes, making it a practical option for clinics lacking treadmills or exercise physiologists. ^[1] [2]

While the findings do not prove push-ups prevent heart disease, they suggest that a low push-up count may signal a need for further cardiovascular evaluation. A large international study found that 99% of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure cases were preceded by at least one measurable risk factor, underscoring the value of simple screening tools. ^[6] The study was funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and FEMA grants, with funders having no role in study design or interpretation, per the authors’ disclosure. ^[2]

References

1. Mercola.com. “Take the Pushup Test to Help Gauge Your Risk for Heart Disease”. Mercola.com. March 01, 2019.
2. NaturalNews.com. “Worried about your heart How many pushups you can do indicates cardiovascular health status”. NaturalNews.com. July 11, 2019.
3. Mercola.com. “Mercola Staff Takes the Pushup Challenge”. Mercola.com. April 05, 2019.
4. Mercola.com. “Take the Pushup Test to Help Gauge Your Risk”. Mercola.com. March 01, 2019.
5. “Bottom Lines treasury of health secrets for seniors 1937 remarkable secrets from”.
6. “Huge Study Links 99% of Heart Attacks and Strokes with 4 Risk Factors”. activistpost.com. March 25, 2026.