A sedentary lifestyle has long been associated with poor health outcomes, but new research suggests that simply meeting exercise guidelines may not be enough to counteract the cardiovascular risks of excessive sitting. A study from the Mass General Brigham health system, published on November 15 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reveals that spending too much time sitting can significantly increase the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular-related death, even for those who engage in regular physical activity.
The Study: Too Much Sitting Is Dangerous
Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers tracked nearly 90,000 participants, analyzing their daily habits over a week. Participants were divided into groups based on the average number of hours spent sitting per day. Those who sat for more than 10.6 hours daily faced a 40% to 60% higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death compared to those sitting fewer than nine hours a day.
While exercise mitigated some risks—particularly heart attacks and atrial fibrillation—the study found it only partially reduced the dangers of heart failure and cardiovascular death.
Key Findings:
- Excessive Sitting: Spending over 10 hours a day sitting was most strongly linked to cardiovascular problems.
- Activity Levels Matter: Those who spent the least time sitting were also the most active and got the most sleep.
- Exercise Isn’t Enough: Even participants who met or exceeded recommended physical activity levels were not immune to the effects of prolonged sitting.
“Our data supports the idea that it is always better to sit less and move more to reduce heart disease risk,” said Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiac electrophysiologist and co-author of the study.
Why Moving More Matters
Sedentary behavior is tied to several risk factors, including obesity, poor sleep, and chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes. However, this study underscores that the cumulative hours spent sitting play a distinct role in cardiovascular health, independent of physical activity levels.
Dr. Patrick Ellinor, another co-author, highlighted the dual importance of exercise and reduced sitting: “Exercise is critical, but avoiding excessive sitting appears separately important. We hope this research empowers people to incorporate more movement into their daily lives.”
Tips to Sit Less and Move More
The American Heart Association offers simple strategies to reduce sedentary time:
- Set Timers: Move for five minutes every hour or 10 minutes every two hours.
- Incorporate Activity: Walk during TV commercials or do household chores like vacuuming.
- Active Workdays: Stand during phone calls or take stretch breaks between tasks.
- Find Enjoyable Activities: Choose workouts that fit your interests and schedule.
- Prioritize Post-Work Movement: Make it a habit to exercise immediately after work or school.
Moving Forward
Although the study had limitations, such as a short monitoring period and possible inaccuracies in activity tracking, its findings provide a crucial reminder: a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about exercise—it’s also about minimizing the time spent sitting. Future research will explore the long-term effects of sedentary behavior on other diseases.
In the meantime, health experts agree that balancing exercise with an active daily routine to optimize cardiovascular health and longevity.
