Health
Reclining Linked to Higher Heart Health Risks
Health Points
- Extended reclining or lying down is linked to higher heart disease risk.
- Short periods of sitting and frequent standing lower cardiovascular risk.
- These effects persisted regardless of exercise levels.
A recent study of over 4,000 adults found that spending more waking hours reclining or lying down increases markers for heart disease. Participants had larger waistlines and higher cardiovascular risk scores when they were more prone to lying flat than sitting or standing.
Sitting for under 20 minutes at a time and standing frequently were both connected to a healthier heart risk profile. Researchers noted these benefits appeared even for those who regularly exercised, highlighting the importance of movement throughout the day.
Keep your heart healthy by breaking up long periods of reclining or lying down with movement. Even small changes, like standing and stretching a few times an hour, can make a difference for cardiovascular health.
