Victoria AdolphusA groundbreaking study from the University of Sydney challenges the popular notion that standing desks improve heart health. The research, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, reveals that standing more often may not reduce the risk of heart disease and could even increase circulatory problems.
Key Findings:
- Standing desks do not boost cardiovascular health.
- Prolonged standing may raise the risk of circulatory issues, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
- Sitting for over 10 hours a day increases cardiovascular disease and orthostatic incidence risk.
- Regular physical activity, even brief, is more beneficial for reducing heart disease risk.
Experts Weigh In:
“The key takeaway is that standing for too long will not offset an otherwise sedentary lifestyle and could be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health.” – Dr. Matthew Ahmadi
“For people who sit for long periods, incorporating plenty of incidental movement and structured exercise may be a better way to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.” – Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis
A Healthier Alternative:
Instead of relying on standing desks, try these simple tips:
- Take regular breaks to walk around.
- Use stairs instead of elevators.
- Engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Incorporate incidental movement into your daily routine.
The Bottom Line:
While standing desks may not be the magic solution to improving heart health, regular physical activity can make a significant difference. So, get moving and take control of your cardiovascular well-being!
Reference:
Ahmadi et al. (2024). Device-measured stationary behaviour and cardiovascular and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence: a population cohort study of 83,013 adults. International Journal of Epidemiology.
