Heart disease once considered a disease of old age is now highly prevalent in young and adult age groups also. They are silent epidemics and are the leading cause of mortality in India. According to research, Indians account for approx. 60% of the world’s heart disease burden which is alarming news. Despite having less than 20% of the world’s population, such a deeper prevalence of heart diseases calls for immediate action. Ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease top the chart.

According to a study, people who work in an office are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Living an unhealthy lifestyle could also increase the risk of developing the disease. 

Study findings

According to a study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, employees who work continuously at their desks for more than 8 hours a day are at higher risk of contracting the disease. They are 20% more likely to develop a heart attack or stroke later in their life.

The research involved 1.05.677 people from 21 countries and was carried out for 11 years. Researchers found that over 6200 people died by the end of the study. Of these total, 2300 people died of heart attacks, 3000 died from a stroke and 700 cases were reported of heart failure.

Spending more than 8 hours a day just sitting and working on a laptop or computer or writing with almost zero physical activity causes 8.8% of fatalities and 5.8% cases of heart attacks. Thus, it is best to take regular small breaks from work and indulge in some physical activity or desk exercises, or yoga. By reducing the sitting time and indulging in some physical exercises, one can easily prevent the chances of developing diseases. 

Long sitting hours and other health issues

Apart from increasing the chances of getting CVD, long sitting hours also affects

• Mental health
• Posture
• Stress level
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis

Tips to prevent the complications of long sitting hours

• Try changing your posture every other hour. 
• Don’t just sit and talk. If you are going to have a long conversation, get up and start walking. Walk when you talk.
• Simply stretch your body in between your working hours. Give rest to your eyes too. You can apply the 20:20:20 rule to your eyes.
• Posture can be maintained correctly by placing the computer screen and mouse well-adjusted with the height. This will prevent unnecessary slouching or bending.
• Use stairs as much as possible. Simply avoid going by lift.
• Support your legs by placing a small stool below your legs. Make sure your knees and ankles are at 90 degrees.
• Standing desk at home is highly preferable.