Desk-bound danger: long sitting linked to heart risks, cardiologists warn
Sitting for most of the day—over eight to ten hours—can raise cardiovascular risk even if you exercise, by slowing metabolism, increasing blood sugar and insulin resistance, and promoting inflammation and arterial plaque. A 2025 JACC study found risk rises sharply after about 10.6 hours of daily sitting. Experts urge regular movement breaks—stand up, walk five minutes each hour, take stairs, stretch, and move during calls—because small bursts of activity benefit the heart, though they can’t fully offset long desk hours. If your day is desk-heavy, consult a cardiologist to assess your risk.