Are Desk Jobs Bad For Your Heart?

As we live in a time where numerous jobs are done in front of a screen, sitting for work has just become the norm for a lot of people. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, sedentary jobs have increased 83 percent since 1950.

But, are desk jobs bad for your heart – really?

Sitting actually facilitates certain body responses that can lead to heart disease, which is why it is important to be aware of how long you’ve been sedentary. Luckily, there are a few things we can do to counter the effects of prolonged sitting. 

Don’t let your desk job become a danger to your heart!

Why Are Desk Jobs Bad For Your Heart?

It really might not seem like there is much happening in the body while we are sitting. 

In actuality, because sitting requires very little energy, our body effectively shuts down to a slow idle, which can increase your risk of heart disease in a few different ways. 

For one, when you’re sitting, your blood pressure and cholesterol levels tend to rise, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, sitting for long periods of time can facilitate unhealthy weight gain and an increase in “bad” cholesterol. And finally, working a desk job often means that your time to exercise is limited, which can also lead to cardiovascular issues. 

Sitting isn’t the only hazard to your heart. Learn why job stress kills heart health.

I Sit All Day At Work – What Can I Do?

Take Breaks To Move

The best thing you can do for your heart is move, so try to get up and move around as often as possible. Take a break to go for a walk around the office or do some stretches at your desk. Sign up for a workout class or go for a stroll outdoors with your colleagues at lunchtime. Choose to stand during your phone calls or take the stairs in the morning instead of the elevator.

Anything that gets you up and moving is good for your heart!

Choose Active Equipment 

If you have the option to choose the equipment at your desk, opt for a standing desk or a treadmill desk. These desks allow you to subconsciously stay active even while you’re working. 

How Can I Make My Work Environment More Heart-Healthy?

Creating a healthier work environment is a team effort. Motivate your colleagues to join your efforts by:

Organizing A Steps Challenge

Arrange a steps challenge for everyone in your office that has a step counter. Run it for a couple of weeks or a month. The individual with the most steps at the end of the challenge wins and gets a prize!

Encouraging Standing Meetings

Instead of having every meeting as a sit-down formal meeting in a conference room, suggest more informal standing meetings in touch-down spots whenever possible. 

Starting Lunch Hour Workouts

Schedule workouts in your office gym or poll your colleagues to see who would be interested in participating in weekly exercise classes during your lunch hour. 

You can further protect your heart at work by making sure your office has an AED!

So, are desk jobs bad for your heart?

Though you may not realize it or even think about it, you now know that sitting for long periods of time can be quite problematic for your heart. Small actions like getting up and moving around every few hours may not seem like much, but even small amounts of exercise can make a big difference in terms of your long-term health.

So next time you’re feeling sluggish at work, remember that it’s not just your mind that needs a break – your heart does too!