New Research Highlights Dangers of Prolonged Sitting

A growing body of scientific evidence is sounding the alarm on the dangers of extended periods of sitting, with recent studies linking it to serious cardiovascular risks and increased mortality. A major study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adults who spent more than 10.6 hours a day in sedentary behavior faced a 40–60% higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death, even if they met standard exercise guidelines. Meanwhile, long-term data from a UK‑based cohort of over 80,000 adults shows that each extra hour of sitting past 10 hours per day is associated with significantly greater risk of circulatory disease as well as major cardiovascular disease (CVD), notably more so than time spent standing.
This research builds on earlier findings that show prolonged sitting poses an independent health hazard, regardless of how much someone exercises. In fact, global data including nearly 106,000 participants from both high- and low-income countries revealed that sitting for eight or more hours daily was linked to a 20% increase in all-cause mortality and a similar rise in cardiovascular events—especially among those with lower daily physical activity levels. Another study emphasized that sedentary behavior above 10 hours a day correlated with higher incidences of orthostatic circulatory disease (conditions like varicose veins and deep‑vein thrombosis), underlining that sitting is a stronger driver of risk than standing.
Health experts are now urging a shift in how we think about exercise and daily movement. The emerging consensus: simply hitting weekly workout targets may not be enough if one still spends most of the day sitting. To reduce risk, they recommend breaking up long stretches of sitting with regular movement, and not relying solely on standing desks—since standing too long may bring its own circulatory risks. As the science evolves, policymakers and employers may need to rethink workplace designs, promoting more active routines that balance sedentary time with frequent movement to safeguard heart health.