Standing at Work May Not Improve Heart Health

Standing at work has become a popular trend aimed at reducing the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. However, a recent study from the University of Sydney indicates that this approach may not provide the cardiovascular benefits many had anticipated. While standing may not yield the expected advantages, promoting movement remains essential for maintaining overall health.

The 2022 National Health and Nutrition Continuous Survey revealed that approximately 12% of adults and 7% of older adults in Mexico spend more than seven hours sitting each day. With more individuals spending long hours seated at desks, in front of computers, or during commutes, standing desks have gained popularity among office workers, according to the University of Sydney. However, their findings suggest that while standing may seem like a healthier choice, it does not necessarily translate into better heart health.

The research, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that increasing standing time compared to sitting does not improve cardiovascular health outcomes, including the risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. However, standing for long periods can lead to fatigue, leg cramps, and back pain, issues that not only cause discomfort but also affect work performance and productivity, as reported by MedicalNewsToday.

“These are common complaints among sales people, retail workers, machine operators, assembly-line workers and others whose jobs require prolonged standing,” says the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

To protect Mexican workers from the effects of prolonged standing at work, the Chamber of Deputies recently approved an initiative to reform the Federal Labor Law, focusing on the right to rest during work hours. The new measure mandates employers to provide an adequate number of seats or chairs with back support for employees in the service, retail, and related sectors, as reported by MBN.

However, while researchers noted that increased standing is not associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues, they cautioned against the dangers of prolonged sitting. The study indicated that sitting for more than 10 hours a day significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other related issues, such as orthostatic hypotension which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up. Moreover, prolonged sitting and other sedentary behaviors have been associated with diabetes, weight gain, depression, dementia, and various types of cancer, according to Yale Medicine.

According to Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA), sedentary living ranks as the fourth leading cause of mortality globally, significantly contributing to the rise of chronic non-communicable diseases, as reported by MBN. The WHO estimates that 5 million deaths could be prevented annually if individuals adopted regular physical activity.

Researchers from the study recommended that individuals who are sedentary or frequently standing should aim to incorporate more movement into their daily routines. “Take regular breaks, walk around, go for a walking meeting, use the stairs, take regular breaks when driving long distances, or use that lunch hour to get away from the desk and do some movement,” says Emmanuel Stamatakis, Director, Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub.