“`html
Urgent health alert: Prolonged Sedentary Behavior Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk
New York, 2025-06-22 – A Groundbreaking study reveals a concerning link between excessive sedentary behavior and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks.The research, focusing on individuals treated for heart attack symptoms, underscores the vital importance of incorporating even small amounts of physical activity into daily routines.
Sitting For Over 14 Hours Daily Increases Heart Attack Risk
The American Heart Association’s journal *Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes* published the findings that individuals spending over 14 hours a day in sedentary activities face a significantly elevated risk of experiencing another cardiac event or even death within one year of hospital treatment for heart attack or chest pain.
The study, conducted at a New York City hospital system, monitored over 600 adults ranging in age from 21 to 96. Participants wore wrist accelerometers for approximately 30 days post-discharge. This captured accurate data on their activity levels.
Key Findings: Movement Matters
- Compared to the most active group, the least active participants faced a 2.58 times higher risk of adverse cardiac events.
- Replacing just 30 minutes of sedentary time with moderate to vigorous activity reduced risk by 61 percent.
- Even replacing sedentary time with light activity lowered the risk by an notable 50 percent.
The Power of Small Changes
According to the researchers, led by Dr. Keith Diaz from Columbia University Medical Center, even minor adjustments can yield substantial benefits. “Our study indicates that one doesn’t have to start running marathons after a cardiovascular event to see benefits,” Diaz stated. “Sitting less and moving or sleeping a little more can make a real difference.”
Replacing Sedentary Time With Sleep Also Showed A Reduced Risk Of Cardiovascular Events.
The study also highlighted that more physical activity and more sleep is healthier than sitting.
Study Participants’ Daily Averages
Here’s a breakdown of participants’ daily activity averages, highlighting the contrast between activity levels and potential health outcomes: