Heart problems are one of the leading causes of death globally. There are various factors that increase the risk of developing heart problems, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, and obesity.

However, research has revealed that there is one surprising action that may increase your chances of developing heart problems by 63% – sitting for prolonged periods.

Why Sitting for Prolonged Periods is Bad for Heart Health

We often associate sitting with relaxation time, but research has shown that prolonged sitting is linked to various health problems, including heart problems. When we sit for an extended period of time, several harmful changes occur in the body.

These changes include:.

Reduced blood flow and oxygen to the muscles and tissues in the body
Decreased insulin sensitivity, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels
Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Inflammation in the body, which can lead to various health problems

All these changes increase the risk of developing heart problems in the long run.

The Risk of Prolonged Sitting on Heart Health

Research has shown that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of developing heart problems by 63%. This finding is based on an analysis of 15 studies involving over 500,000 participants.

The study revealed that prolonged sitting is an independent risk factor for heart problems, even in individuals who engage in regular physical activity.

Furthermore, the study showed that the risk of heart problems increases progressively as the duration of sitting increases.

Individuals who sit for long hours (8-12 hours per day) have a higher risk of developing heart problems compared to those who sit for shorter periods. The risk increases even more in individuals who sit for longer periods without taking breaks to move around.

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Problems from Prolonged Sitting

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of heart problems from prolonged sitting. These include:.

Stand up and move around every 30 minutes – take a walk or stretch
Use a standing desk or a stability ball instead of sitting all day
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Go for a walk during lunch break instead of sitting in the cafeteria
Do exercises during commercial breaks when watching TV

All these activities can help improve blood flow and decrease inflammation in the body, reducing the risk of heart problems.

The Bottom Line

Prolonged sitting is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Still, research has shown that sitting, specifically for long periods, can increase the risk of developing heart problems by 63%, even in individuals who engage in regular physical activity. To reduce the risk of heart problems, it is crucial to break up prolonged sitting periods by standing up and moving around every 30 minutes, taking the stairs, using a stability ball, or going for a walk.