Stroke may be hiding behind this seemingly harmless habit

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that more than 12 million people have a stroke each year, with approximately 6.5 million deaths worldwide.

Although age and genetics contribute to risk, lifestyle habits play an important role in prevention.

Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist, former instructor at Harvard Medical School, and now Director of the Mount Sinai Heart Hospital at the Icahn School of Medicine (USA), said sitting too much can increase the risk of stroke.

However, Dr. Bhatt says there is a gentle, simple way that anyone can do - scientifically proven to help neutralize the dangers of sitting too much.

That's because moving more, even light activities like just standing up for a few minutes or doing some chores, can help reduce your risk, according to Harvard Health.

Sitting too much can increase the risk of stroke

Illustration: AI

What did the study find?

The study, published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open in 2022, included 7,607 participants with an average age of 63, followed for nearly 7.5 years, and found:

People who sit 13 or more hours a day have a 44% higher risk of stroke than those who sit less than 11 hours a day.

Researchers explain that prolonged periods of inactivity reduce blood circulation, increase blood pressure, and promote weight gain, high blood fats, and diabetes, all of which silently increase the risk of stroke over time.

How to reduce sedentary time during the day

Reducing sitting time doesn't mean avoiding sitting altogether, just taking very short breaks with frequent, gentle movements.

Research published in Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association, found that even short breaks, such as standing, stretching, or walking, significantly reduced blood pressure, improved circulation, increased energy, and supported overall heart health throughout the day.

Research also shows that moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 25 minutes a day reduces the risk of stroke by up to 43%, according to Harvard Health.

In particular, even light physical activity helps reduce the risk of stroke.

Here are some simple ways to move more:

• Get up and stretch every 30 - 60 minutes.
• Walking while on the phone
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
• Try using a standing desk or alternating between sitting and standing.
• Take a short walk after lunch to aid digestion and circulation.

Over time, these small adjustments will bring significant benefits to your heart health, according to the Times Of India.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dot-quy-co-the-nap-sau-thoi-quen-tuong-vo-hai-nay-185251017131032615.htm