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Sitting is the New Smoking: Heart Risk Alert
12 Feb
Summary
- Prolonged sitting increases heart disease risk independently of exercise.
- Inactivity slows circulation and raises harmful cholesterol levels.
- Short breaks to stand or walk every 30-60 minutes benefit heart health.
Prolonged periods of sitting are increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for heart disease, even for individuals who exercise regularly. Inactivity slows circulation, contributes to the buildup of bad cholesterol, and can elevate blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Medical experts emphasize that a daily workout does not fully counteract the detrimental effects of sitting for many hours. Studies indicate that sitting for over 8 hours daily can increase cardiovascular event risk by 19-29% compared to sitting less than 4 hours, irrespective of exercise habits.
To mitigate these risks, it is advised to break up sedentary periods by standing, walking, or stretching every 30 to 60 minutes. Achieving 7,000 to 8,000 steps per day and reducing overall sitting time can significantly contribute to better heart health.
