A straightforward habit — frequently standing up from a chair throughout the day — can significantly benefit heart health, particularly for post-menopausal women. This conclusion was reached by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, with their findings published in the journal Circulation.
During the experiment, women classified as overweight or obese were divided into three groups. The first group received only general health advice. The second group aimed to reduce their overall sedentary time. The third group specifically focused on frequently standing up from their seats. It was in this last group that the most significant effect was observed: participants began standing up, on average, 25 more times a day, and after just three months, their diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.24 mmHg compared to the control group.
Interestingly, the total sitting time for these participants did not always decrease; the crucial factor was the act of regular standing itself. According to the authors, this effect might be linked to improved blood circulation and reduced strain on the cardiovascular system. Although the drop in blood pressure did not reach a clinically significant level (typically 3–5 mmHg), even a small shift can be important, considering age and existing risk factors.
Blood sugar levels were not affected by these changes, but the authors believe that a longer observation period might be necessary to see such results. An application has already been submitted for a continuation of the experiment, involving older men and women, with a more extended monitoring period.
Previously, scientists discovered a method to restore heart tissue after a heart attack using modRNA technology, similar to that employed in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
