A recent scientific study suggests that women over 50 who spend a lot of time sitting or lying down have a significant risk of developing heart failure, even if they participate in regular physical activity.
Cardiovascular diseases: the leading cause of female mortality
“Very few studies have been published on sedentary time and the risk of heart failure, and even fewer studies have focused on older women in whom sedentary behavior and heart failure are quite common.”said Michael J. LaMonte, lead author of a study of nearly 81,000 postmenopausal women.
Study participants reported how much time they spent each day in a sitting, lying or physically active position. The researchers then classified the women according to their total time of inactivity on a daily basis.
The results, published in the specialized journal Circulation: Heart Failure, after 9 years of follow-up, showed that the risk of hospitalization for heart failure was 15% higher in women reporting spending 6.6 to 9.5 hours per day sitting or lying and 42% higher in women reporting spending more than 9.5 hours per day sitting or lying (compared to women spending less than 6.5 hours per day sitting or lying).
The study also showed that the risk was 14% higher in women who said they spent between 4.6 and 8.5 hours per day sitting and 54% higher in women who reported sitting more than 8.5 hours per day. (compared to women spending less than 4.5 hours per day sitting).
Sit less and move more
For Michael J. LaMonte, “Our message is simple: sit down less and move more” it is necessary “Redouble efforts to reduce the daily sedentary time and encourage adults to frequently interrupt their sedentary time”, adding that ” it does not necessarily require a long period of physical activity; it could just be standing for 5 minutes or standing up and moving your feet. “
