Recent findings underline the dangers of prolonged sitting on heart health, emphasizing that sitting for over 10 hours daily is linked to heightened risks of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights a concerning connection between extended periods of sitting and cardiovascular health risks. This work involved nearly 90,000 participants from the UK Biobank, all of whom wore wrist accelerometers to track their movements for over a week. Researchers followed up on these participants over eight years, discovering that prolonged sitting is a significant risk factor.
Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiac electrophysiologist, reiterated that most people average 10 hours of sedentary activity each day. The study showed that sitting for more than 10.6 hours daily substantially increases the risk of heart failure and death from cardiovascular issues, even among people engaging in the suggested 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
The researchers noted a risk ‘inflection point’ after the 10.6-hour mark where the likelihood of severe heart-related issues rises notably. Therefore, reducing sedentary time is critical to improving heart health and reducing mortality risk. Importantly, while regular exercise lowers risks related to atrial fibrillation and heart attacks, it doesn’t fully counteract the dangers of excessive sitting when it comes to heart failure and cardiovascular mortality.
This research underscores the necessity of addressing prolonged sitting, particularly in job environments that require extended desk time. Dr. Khurshid recommends incorporating movement throughout the day, using standing desks or engaging in brief physical activities to mitigate sedentary effects. Even reducing sitting time on a few days per week can be beneficial, illustrating a dose-dependent relationship between sitting and health risks.
Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Berg supports these findings, emphasizing that exercise alone cannot offset a sedentary lifestyle’s effects on cardiovascular health. Substituting periods of inactivity with light physical activity can help reduce risks. Simple actions like taking stairs can make a difference, and using reminders to move can aid in maintaining activity levels throughout the day.
The implications of this study are clear: while exercise remains vital, it cannot fully offset the risks associated with prolonged sitting. Efforts to reduce sedentary behavior are essential for improving heart health and longevity, suggesting that even incremental changes in daily habits can contribute to better health outcomes.
Source: Medicalnewstoday
