A recent study reveals that the longer you spend sitting, the higher your risk of stroke becomes.
Extended periods of sitting can compress blood vessels in your legs, hindering proper circulation. This can slow down your metabolism and impact your heart, increasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases the longer you stay seated.
A research team led by Wen Zhongliang from Suzhou University in China published these findings in the international journal Frontiers in Public Health. The study examined the relationship between stroke risk and a sedentary lifestyle.
The team surveyed 3,010 adults aged 60 and over, tracking their sitting time and physical activity through monthly lifestyle questionnaires. They excluded anyone with a history of stroke from the study. After four years, 244 participants had experienced a stroke.
As a result, people who sat for 4 to 6 hours daily had a 27.5% to 37.8% higher stroke risk compared to those who sat for less than 4 hours. The risk jumped from 41.5% to 60.2% for those sitting 6 to 8 hours and skyrocketed to a whopping 154.9% to 161.5% for those parked in their seats for over 8 hours. Once you hit that 8-hour mark, your stroke risk increases sharply.
The study found that getting your body moving can be a game-changer. People who stayed active for more than 150 minutes each week significantly lowered their stroke risk compared to their less active counterparts.
According to the research team, prolonged sitting ramps up inflammation in your body, which in turn cranks up your stroke risk. Physical activity reduces inflammation and lowers your chances of not just stroke but a whole host of other health issues, including multiple sclerosis.
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