Prolonged Standing: Researchers say that both prolonged standing and sitting are harmful, and the best way to combat cardiovascular consequences is through movement and physical activity.
Researchers have always warned that prolonged sitting is detrimental to health and is associated with many diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Many people seek standing desks at work or try to stand more to reduce these risks.
Prolonged Standing, However, new research published in the journal Epidemiology shows that standing also has its own specific consequences, especially when it comes to “heart health.” According to the findings, prolonged standing not only does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it may also increase the risk of circulatory diseases.
These findings raise many questions, including what to do about sitting and standing.
Prolonged Standing Is Harmful For Heart
What Do The Findings Indicate?
Prolonged Standing, According to previous studies, researchers at the University of Sydney sought to determine whether standing is a healthy alternative to sitting. The findings of this research group indicate that prolonged standing does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and may even increase the risk of circulatory problems such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
How Long Can You Stand?
Prolonged Standing, Researchers analyzed data on heart problems and circulatory diseases in over 83,000 adults in the UK using wearable devices like smartwatches. They emphasize that if standing exceeds two hours during the day, for every additional half hour, the risk of circulatory diseases increases by up to 11%.
Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, the leader of this group, stated in a media release that the key point is that excessive standing is not a remedy for a sedentary lifestyle and may pose risks of circulatory problems for some individuals, but sitting is not a good option either. According to researchers, sitting for more than 10 hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What Do Doctors Think?
Prolonged Standing, Many doctors say that the study’s results are interesting but not definitive. Dr. Johanna Contreras, a cardiologist based in New York, told Yahoo Life, “It is not clear exactly what the participants were doing while standing. Were they moving while standing, or just standing still? Because these two outcomes have different results.”
Dr. Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon based in California, is not surprised by these results, which contradict the belief that prolonged standing is better and healthier. He states that it is clear that prolonged standing increases the risk of orthostatic circulatory problems.
Prolonged Standing, Furthermore, an analysis comparing the results of 13 studies shows that those who sit for more than eight hours a day and do not engage in physical activity, such as obese or smoking individuals, are at increased risk of mortality.
Researchers found that 60 to 75 minutes of moderate daily physical activity eliminates the risks of prolonged sitting. Additionally, studies suggest that six minutes of intense exercise or 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise during the day can help reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals who sit for more than 11 hours a day.
Prolonged Standing, Accordingly, researchers emphasize that those who stand a lot and do not move are at risk for their cardiovascular health, and what matters is aerobic activity, not just standing. They recommend not remaining still and helping overall body health and combating cardiovascular diseases with sufficient movement at work or home.
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