Heart Disease News: Too Much Sitting, Sedentary Behavior Can Kill You, Heart Experts Say
Too Much Sitting, Sedentary Lifestyle Can Lead to an Early Grave
Always sitting for long periods of time is bad for your heart and can actually really kill you, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Sitting, in addition to a sedentary, non-active lifestyle, can cause diabetes and heart disease among people. This is not exclusive to people who don't exercise, as experts say that those who do exercise are just as prone to its effects as well. Sedentary behavior include sitting, lying down (but not sleeping), reclining, watching television and working on the computer.
Too Much Lazing Around Can Kill You
It is not known how much sitting or inactivity is considered to be dangerous. Furthermore, the scientists also did not say how much exercise or how active of a lifestyle can counter the effects of sitting and being inactive.
According to the study, too much sitting and inactivity can increase the risk for stroke, heart disease, diabetes, increased blood sugar and early death, Reuters reports. AHA experts say that it is important to be conscious of how time is spent sitting around. They also recommend not to sit too much when at home or at least try to move around once in a while during the day.
The statement by the AHA was published in the journal: Circulation.
Evidence of Sedentary Lifestyle Among People
A US National Health Survey reveals that an American adult spends six to eight hours being inactive daily. As a person gets older, their time for sedentary behavior increases. Elderly people over the age of 60 spend an average of 10 hours a day being sedentary.
In their study, the researchers stated that the evidence of sedentary behavior's effects being linked to heart disease and diabetes is "suggestive, but not conclusive," NBC News points out.
While the minimum amount of exercise needed to reverse the effects is unknown, they recommend having moderate exercise at least 30 minutes per day. Sitting less and moving more, like walking or running, can greatly help in decreasing sedentary behavior. For those with office jobs, they are advised to get up every hour or as much as they can.
Do you believe that being too inactive can increase the chances of getting heart disease, diabetes and an early death?