In a world where sedentary lifestyles are under scrutiny, the idea that standing for long periods might benefit heart health and vascular health has been put to the test. However, a new study reveals that standing for extended periods doesn’t actually improve cardiovascular health and could even increase the risk of certain blood vessel-related issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study, published in the New York Post, challenges the common assumption that standing is a cure-all for a sedentary lifestyle.
Key Findings from the Research
The study, led by Matthew Ahmadi, a researcher from the University of Sydney, offers crucial insights into how our daily habits impact cardiovascular health. “The main takeaway is that prolonged standing doesn’t offset the risks of an inactive lifestyle,” Ahmadi explains. “In fact, for some people, it could pose additional risks to their vascular health.”
To gather these findings, Ahmadi and his team monitored over 83,000 adults in the UK for 7-8 years, all of whom were initially free of heart disease. The researchers tracked new cases of heart disease and collected data on blood vessel health using smartwatches and other devices.
Surprisingly, the study found no significant cardiovascular benefits from prolonged standing. However, the research did highlight the dangers of sitting for more than 10 hours a day, which increases the risk of heart disease, blood vessel problems, and orthostatic hypotension—a condition where blood pressure drops suddenly when standing up after sitting or lying down.
The Case for Movement of Heart Health
Emanuel Stamatakis, a lecturer at the University of Sydney and co-author of the study, emphasizes that regular physical activity, even in small bursts throughout the day, is key to reducing the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
“For those who sit for long periods, incorporating daily activities and exercise is a far better way to protect cardiovascular health,” Stamatakis advises.
His team’s findings suggest that as little as six minutes of daily physical activity or 30 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise can significantly reduce heart disease risk, even in individuals who are typically inactive. “Taking regular breaks, walking around, using the stairs, and stepping outside during lunch can make a big difference,” Stamatakis adds.
“It’s not sitting or standing, it’s the lack of movement or continuous uninterrupted sedentary behavior that’s problematic and you can still do that when you’re standing. You can be sedentary while standing,” Scott Lear, PhD, a professor of health sciences and Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research at Simon Fraser University, told Healthline.
Simple Steps for a Heart Health
To improve heart health, the American Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, along with two days of muscle-strengthening activities. But even if you’re short on time, remember that every step counts. Just a few minutes of movement here and there can help counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
So, the next time you think standing still is enough to boost your health, think again. Regular movement and staying active throughout the day are what truly count when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart and strong blood vessels. Let’s not fall into the trap of thinking that standing alone can offset the dangers of sitting for long periods—movement is the key to lasting heart health!
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