Heart Health: Why your workout alone may not be enough if you sit for long periods
A morning workout can leave you feeling like you have done your bit for your health. Then come long hours at your desk and a long commute in traffic. By the time you get home the last thing you want to do is move. So you settle into the sofa for some television or your phone or simply a little downtime. In your mind, you have still had an active day. After all, you did exercise that morning But a…
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined the relationship between leisure-related sedentary time and heart attack incidence among nearly 476,000 people in the UK over a 13-year period. The study found that those who spent more than four hours a day engaged in sedentary activities, such as watching television or using a computer, were at a higher risk of heart attack compared to those who spent two hours or less in sedentary time.
Dr. Jan Strickling, a consultant cardiologist at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, explained that prolonged sitting can negatively impact circulation, metabolism, weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, all of which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health. He emphasized that the four-hour figure should not be seen as a strict threshold, but rather a reminder to minimize spending a large portion of the day sitting.
Dr. Mangesh Dande, a specialist in cardiology at Aster Clinic, Al Warqa, highlighted that regular exercise and reducing sedentary time should complement each other and not be viewed as interchangeable. He stressed that incorporating regular moderate-intensity activity throughout the day, along with breaking up sedentary periods, is essential for heart health.
Dr. Deepak Mullasery, a senior physiotherapist at Medcare Physio & Rehab Centre, suggested small adjustments for those with desk-based jobs or long commutes, such as getting up periodically, walking while on phone calls, using stairs, doing simple leg movements, and opting for walking meetings when possible. At home, short walks after meals and breaking up sitting during television breaks can also contribute to reducing sedentary time.
While these findings suggest a link between sedentary behavior and heart attack risk, they do not definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Instead, the study serves as a reminder that both regular exercise and minimizing sedentary time play crucial roles in maintaining cardiovascular health.
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