Study Finds Prolonged Sitting Raises Heart Risks—even for Regular Exercisers

The Sedentary Danger

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital shows that spending more than 10.6 hours a day sitting, lying down, or reclining can significantly increase the risk of serious heart problems—even among individuals who regularly exercise.

Evidence from the UK Biobank

Drawing on data from nearly 90,000 people in the UK Biobank research database, researchers equipped participants with activity trackers for a week. When they checked back about eight years later, they noted a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, first heart attack, and death from cardiovascular causes in those who averaged more than 10.6 hours of sedentary time daily. Alarmingly, this trend persisted even among participants who met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.

A Call for Less Sitting

Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study emphasizes the importance of reducing total daily sedentary time. Co-senior study author Dr. Shaan Khurshid, a cardiologist at Mass General, suggests that “avoiding more than 10.6 hours per day may be a realistic minimal target for better heart health.”

Practical Tips for Healthier Habits

Experts recommend a variety of strategies to break up extended sitting periods, including walking breaks, stretch reminders, and standing desks. Safety professionals and employers can also encourage healthier workplaces by allowing microbreaks, promoting walking meetings, and educating staff on the hidden risks of prolonged sitting.

Expand Your Ergonomics Knowledge

To learn more about reducing sedentary risks and improving workplace ergonomics, consider attending NASP’s live Ergonomics class. This interactive session offers proven tools and methods to help prevent injuries, boost productivity, and promote overall well-being. Register for the upcoming class by visiting the NASP Ergonomics class page.