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A daily habit shared by millions could be silently increasing the risk of a deadly condition cardiovascular disease (CVD). Experts are now warning the public that prolonged sitting or inactivity, often overlooked in day-to-day routines, may pose a serious health threat.
CVD, a term that covers a range of heart and blood vessel disorders, remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK. According to the National Health Service (NHS), “CVD is responsible for one in four premature deaths in the UK and accounts for the largest gap in health life expectancy.”
Worryingly, those living in the most deprived 10% of areas are nearly twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those in the least deprived areas.
A new study published in ScienceDirect highlights the role of sedentary behavior in increasing the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and cardiovascular-related mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 89,530 participants in the UK Biobank cohort study, with an average age of 62 and 56.4% being women.
Using accelerometers to monitor movement and inactivity, the study found a clear link between prolonged sitting and increased cardiovascular risk. Their conclusion was direct:
“Sedentary behavior is broadly associated with future adverse CV outcomes, with particularly prominent effects on HF and CV mortality, where risk inflected at approximately 10.6 h/d.”
While engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was shown to partially reduce these risks, the study emphasized that being physically active is not a complete safeguard.
“Although guideline-adherent MVPA partially mitigates excess risk, optimizing sedentary behavior appears to be important even among physically active individuals,” researchers noted.
In other words, even those who exercise regularly should remain cautious about how much time they spend sitting throughout the day.
The NHS also points to additional high-risk factors for CVD, including atrial fibrillation (AF), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of heart disease. People from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds are also at higher risk.
The message from researchers and health experts is clear: reducing sitting time is crucial not just for those who are inactive, but for everyone, even those who hit the gym daily.
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