Understanding the Impact of Prolonged Standing on Blood Pressure and Heart Health

As workplace dynamics evolve, standing desks and other ergonomic solutions have gained popularity. Traditionally, reducing sedentary behavior was seen as beneficial to health. However, a recent study from the University of Turku suggests a potential health paradox: prolonged standing at work might actually increase blood pressure and negatively impact heart health.

The Study: Sedentary vs. Active Work Environments

Key Findings:

• Prolonged standing at work is associated with higher blood pressure compared to being sedentary.
• Sedentary work led to lower 24-hour diastolic blood pressure readings.
• Non-workday standing showed no significant impact on blood pressure.

Contrary to popular belief, sitting at your desk might not be as detrimental to blood pressure as once thought. The study involved 156 participants, each aged around 62, using accelerometers to track physical activity during work hours, leisure time, and off days. The physical activities were classified into:

• Sedentary: Activities like lying and sitting
• Standing
• Light Physical Activity: Slow walking and minor movement
• Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: Fast walking, running, cycling, climbing stairs

Throughout the study, blood pressure (BP) was measured automatically every 30 minutes over a 24-hour period, providing a comprehensive overview of fluctuations across the day and into the night.

The Science Behind Blood Pressure and Activity

“The 24-hour blood pressure is a better indication of how BP stresses the heart and blood vessels,” explains Jooa Norha, the lead researcher. “If BP is consistently high throughout the day without sufficient decrease at night, it can cause blood vessels to stiffen, forcing the heart to work harder. Over time, this increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Prolonged standing causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, which leads to lower central blood volume. This condition forces the cardiovascular system to increase sympathetic activity, including higher cardiac output and vascular tone, to compensate for the reduced blood flow to the heart.

Understanding Diastolic Pressure

Diastolic blood pressure, the second number in BP readings (e.g., the 80 in 120/80), signifies the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. It is a critical determinant of heart health, as the heart receives the majority of its blood flow during diastole.

The study indicated that standing at work significantly increased 24-hour diastolic BP, especially during the day, highlighting the cardiovascular burden imposed by prolonged standing.

Practical Workplace Recommendations

Given these findings, it might be time to reassess how much standing is truly healthy at work. While standing desks provide a healthy alternative to being seated, Norha advises moderation, suggesting workers:

• Integrate periodic sitting with standing to alleviate prolonged vascular strain.
• Incorporate movement breaks every 30 minutes, like walking short distances.
• Partake in diverse physical exercises outside of work to maintain overall fitness levels.

Norha’s insights emphasize that while being physically active is crucial, it’s not confined to work alone. A holistic approach, incorporating diverse exercise during leisure activities, is fundamental for managing work-related stress and maintaining fitness.

The Paradox and Future Research

The study highlights a paradox in current health guidelines. Whereas physical activity is consistently encouraged, the context and location of that activity might play a crucial role in its health benefits. The researchers hope that larger, future studies will confirm these preliminary findings and provide further guidance.

These insights were published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Conclusion: Balancing Activity and Health

Ultimately, while standing at work can add variety to daily routines, the emphasis should be on creating a balance. Employees should strive for a mix of sitting, standing, and moving around to support cardiovascular health. This integrated approach, combined with engaging in physical activities during leisure time, could redefine how we approach sedentary lifestyles in office environments.

For a deeper understanding, refer to the full publication from the University of Turku, which underscores these significant findings and potential implications for workplace health policies.

Tags: Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Health, University of Turku, Body & Mind

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Source: https://newatlas.com/medical/blood-pressure-sedentary-work/