9. Sedentary Lifestyle: The Silent Slow Down
A sedentary lifestyle, often associated with sitting or lying down for prolonged periods and engaging in little physical activity, plays a significant role in heart disease development. In fact, it’s been said that inactivity is as harmful as smoking when it comes to heart health.
Inactivity contributes to obesity, raises blood pressure, decreases HDL (good) cholesterol, and increases the risk of diabetes—all major risk factors for heart disease. In addition, sitting for long periods has been linked to an increase in waist size and higher levels of blood fats and blood sugar.
Research shows that prolonged sitting can affect the metabolism of fats and sugars in ways that increase heart disease risk. When you sit, your muscles are disengaged, leading to lower levels of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which is critical for fat metabolism. Furthermore, sitting for extended periods results in reduced blood flow, promoting the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Counteracting a sedentary lifestyle involves incorporating more movement into your daily routine. Regular physical activity, like walking, swimming, or cycling, can lower blood pressure, increase levels of good cholesterol, and improve blood flow. Even simple lifestyle changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, doing household chores, or getting up and moving around every hour if you work at a desk can make a significant difference. (9)
