Study Links Sedentary Lifestyle to Heart Disease

A major new study published by the American College of Cardiology has revealed that sitting or lying down for more than 10.6 hours a day is significantly linked to a higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death — even in people who meet recommended exercise levels.
The research, which used wrist-worn accelerometers to measure inactivity, suggests that long periods of sedentary behavior pose an independent threat to cardiovascular health. This finding challenges the assumption that simply getting 150 minutes of weekly exercise can fully offset the risks of prolonged sitting.
Genetics may also play a role in how sedentary behavior affects heart health. A separate study from the University of Jyväskylä found that a higher genetic predisposition to inactivity was associated with up to a 20% increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This means some individuals may be naturally more inclined toward sedentary habits — and this could raise their cardiovascular risk.
Meta‑analyses back up these conclusions: a pooled review of more than a million person-years of data from 19 cohort studies showed that for each additional hour of sedentary time, there is about a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts say these findings underscore the importance of reducing sitting time throughout the day, not just squeezing in exercise.