Warning from the expert: Being inactive for a long time threatens heart health

Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Okay Abacı stated that remaining inactive for a long time during the day can pose a significant risk for cardiovascular health, and said that especially those working at a desk should divide their long sitting periods with movement breaks.

Cardiology Specialist Prof. stated that increasing the time spent at the desk in daily life, driving and remaining inactive in front of the screen for a long time may negatively affect heart health. Dr. Okay Abacı stated that physical activity is not just about regular exercise.

Prof. stated that sitting for long periods of time may be associated with important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Dr. Abacı said, "Staying inactive most of the day can negatively affect metabolic health. This situation may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases over time."

Stating that the risk of heart attack does not depend on a single cause, Abacı noted that smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, overweight, family history and sedentary lifestyle should be evaluated together.

'DIVIDE LONG SITTING PERIOD WITH MOVEMENT BREAKS'

Prof. said that especially those working at a desk should not stay in the same position for hours. Dr. Abacı said, "Even small changes such as standing up at regular intervals during work, walking for a few minutes, using stairs or making phone calls while standing can increase the amount of movement during the day. The important thing is not to sit uninterrupted for a long time."

'JUST DOING SPORTS IS NOT ENOUGH'

Prof. stated that people who exercise regularly should be careful not to remain inactive for the rest of the day. Dr. Abacı said, "Exercising a few days a week is very important, but sitting for hours for the rest of the day is not the right approach. For heart health, it is necessary to spread movement throughout daily life."

'MAKE MOVEMENT A PART OF DAILY LIFE FOR HEART HEALTH'

Pointing out that lifestyle changes are important in protecting against cardiovascular diseases, Abacı concluded his words as follows:

"Regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, avoiding smoking, keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control are the basic elements of heart health. Especially people working at a desk should not consider long-term inactivity as a natural part of daily life. Small but regular movement habits can contribute to protecting heart health."