We spend hours sitting, at work, in traffic, and when binge-watching our favourite shows, you do all this sitting without giving it a second thought. But what if this seemingly harmless habit is quietly undermining your heart health?
Studies suggest that prolonged sitting could be linked to a higher risk of heart failure, even for those who exercise regularly. Could your daily desk routine be more dangerous than you think? Let’s dive into the science and uncover how your lifestyle choices might impact your most vital organ.
The EatingWell publication claims that a study has found that individuals who spend more than 10.6 hours per day in sedentary behaviour, such as sitting, reclining, or lying down, face a significant increase in the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. It is further mentioned that even if they exercise for the recommended amount of time each week, those who were sedentary for 10.6 hours or more had a 40% higher risk of heart failure and a 54% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
“This study highlights the importance of addressing sedentary time as an equally critical factor in helping prevent cardiovascular disease.” Researchers suggest that avoiding this level of sedentary behaviour may be particularly important for reducing the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality.
A study by The Harvard Gazette found that sedentary behaviour increases the risk of heart disease, even among those who get enough exercise. Researchers found that sedentary behaviour was associated with higher risks of all four types of heart disease, with a 40-60% greater risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death when sedentary behaviour exceeded 10.6 hours a day. The study used a machine learning algorithm to classify sedentary behaviour and analyzed one week of activity-tracker data from different individuals.
“Many of the negative effects of sedentary behaviour persisted even among those individuals who achieved the guideline-recommended more than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, claims the above source.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, take breaks every 30 minutes, stand while talking or watching TV, use a standing desk, walk for meetings, or position your work surface above a treadmill, advises the Mayo Clinic.
“Position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialised treadmill-ready vertical desk — so that you can be in motion throughout the day.”
Also see: Smoothie ideas to try for heart health
