Protect your blood pressure: balancing sitting and standing at work
A recent Finnish Retirement and Aging study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal sheds light on the potential downsides of standing for extended periods at work, especially when it comes to blood pressure. While standing itself is not harmful, prolonged periods of being upright can disrupt the body’s normal functions, leading to increased blood pressure over time, according to Jooa Norha, MSc, lead study author and a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku in Finland.
Researchers examined data from 156 workers, averaging 62 years of age, who wore accelerometers to track their activity levels, including how much time they spent standing, sitting, or engaging in light and moderate physical exercise. They also had their blood pressure monitored. The study revealed that standing for long stretches can lead to blood pooling in the lower body due to gravity, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the upper body. This causes blood vessels to constrict and the heart to work harder, ultimately raising blood pressure.
Over time, this consistent strain on the body could prevent blood pressure from dropping at night, keeping it elevated during both the day and night. If left unchecked, this could result in the stiffening of blood vessels, which further exacerbates high blood pressure. The constant workload on the heart may also increase the risk of heart disease, including conditions like heart failure.
Interestingly, the study found that sedentary workers often had lower blood pressure readings at night, suggesting that those who remain less active may biologically age faster, according to James A. S. Muldowney III, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, adding that leading to stiffer blood vessels and lower diastolic blood pressure. These findings align with the idea that regular moderate exercise can help protect against cardiovascular problems.
This is not the first study to suggest a connection between standing at work and an increased risk of heart disease. A Canadian study that analyzed data from over 7,000 workers found that those who stood for most of their jobs were twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to their seated counterparts. However, some experts caution that other factors, such as job-related stress, could also play a role in these outcomes.
Despite these concerns, experts emphasize that the solution is not to avoid standing altogether. As Dr Italo Biaggioni, director of the Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, points out, standing is good for you in moderation. The key is to avoid staying in one position for too long, whether it’s sitting or standing. Dr Neel Chokshi, director of the Center for Digital Cardiology at Penn Medicine recommends incorporating periods of walking, standing, or even more intense exercise throughout the workday to offset the risks of both sitting and standing for extended periods.
The research presents a challenge in balancing work habits for optimal heart health. While being sedentary has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and overall mortality, standing too much can also negatively affect blood pressure. The takeaway? Aim for a balance—incorporating movement and varying your positions throughout the day for better cardiovascular health.
Source: Verywell Health
Category: Top Story
