Why Prolonged Standing Could Impact Your Heart Health

Standing desks have become a staple in many work-from-home setups, promising a healthier alternative to sitting for hours on end. But new research suggests that standing too much might not be as beneficial for your heart health as you think.

What the Study Found

A recent study published in The International Journal of Epidemiology followed over 80,000 healthy UK adults who wore wrist accelerometers for two years, tracking how much time they spent sitting and standing.

Key findings include:

• Sitting for more than 10 hours a day was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues like heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.

• However, standing more did not reduce the risk of these conditions. Surprisingly, standing beyond two hours per day was associated with an increased risk of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Specifically, for every additional 30 minutes spent standing beyond the two-hour mark, the risk of circulatory issues rose by 11%.

What This Means for Your Health

The study’s results challenge the assumption that standing alone can offset the risks of a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, prolonged standing without movement could introduce new health risks, particularly for circulation.

Still, it’s important to note that this was an observational study, meaning it shows correlation, not causation. And while the findings are compelling, the participants represented a specific group healthy adults in the UK limiting how broadly the conclusions might apply.

Why Regular Movement Is Key

Instead of relying on a standing desk to improve your health, experts suggest incorporating regular movement into your day. Matthew Ahmadi, the study's lead author, emphasizes the importance of "exercise breaks" or "exercise snacks" to mitigate the effects of prolonged sitting or standing.

Simple ways to add movement include:

• Taking short walking breaks every hour.

• Opting for stairs instead of elevators.

• Scheduling walking meetings or lunchtime strolls.

• Incorporating stretches, squats, or quick cardio bursts throughout your day.

A 2024 study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity supports this approach, showing that six minutes of vigorous exercise or 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily can significantly reduce heart disease risk even if you spend most of the day sitting.

The Bottom Line

Standing desks can still have their place, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution for improving heart health. The real takeaway? Balance is everything. Whether you’re sitting or standing, regular movement is essential to maintaining good circulation and overall health.

So, keep your standing desk if it works for you but don’t forget to take those movement breaks. Even microdoses of activity, like stretching or walking to grab a coffee, can make a big difference for your heart.

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