Excess sitting ‘can increase the risk of heart attack’

A new study has shed further light on the negative health consequences of excessive sitting by demonstrating the link between sedentary lifestyles and poor heart health.

Led by the Medical College of Wisconsin and presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session, the study analysed heart scans and physical activity records of more than 2,000 adults living in Dallas. 

It was found that each hour of sedentary time per day on average was associated with a 14 percent increase in the risk of coronary artery calcification – a marker of subclinical heart disease that can increase the risk of a heart attack.

Sedentary participants were more likely to be older, have a higher body mass index, and suffer from diabetes or hypertension.

Dr Jacquelyn Kulinski, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the study's lead author, said: "I think the study offers a promising message. Reducing the amount of time you sit by even an hour or two a day could have a significant and positive impact on your future cardiovascular health."

Previous studies have indicated that the amount of time a person sits during the day is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and death.