Sedentary Behavior Increases Cardiac Event Risk for Heart Patients, Study Finds

A comprehensive study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes highlights the critical impact of sedentary behavior on patients recovering from cardiac events. Researchers discovered that individuals spending more than 14 hours daily in sedentary activities were over twice as likely to experience another cardiac event within a year of hospitalization.

The study, conducted by Columbia University Medical Center, tracked 609 adults aged 21 to 96 who were treated for heart-related symptoms. Using wrist accelerometers, researchers measured participants' daily physical activity and sedentary time over a median of 30 days following hospital discharge.

Key findings revealed that replacing 30 minutes of sedentary time with moderate to vigorous physical activity could reduce cardiovascular event risks by 61%. Similarly, substituting sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity lowered risks by 50%, while even adding 30 minutes of sleep decreased risks by 14%.

Study lead author Keith Diaz emphasized the significance of these results, noting that patients need not engage in intense exercise to see benefits. Simple activities like walking, gardening, or household chores can meaningfully reduce cardiovascular risks.

The research provides critical insights for healthcare professionals, suggesting a more holistic approach to patient recovery that goes beyond traditional exercise recommendations. By encouraging patients to reduce sedentary time and incorporate more movement or rest, clinicians may help mitigate the likelihood of subsequent cardiac events.

Participants in the most physically active group averaged 25 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, compared to just 2.7 minutes for the least active group. This stark difference underscores the potential health impacts of even minimal increases in physical activity.

These findings align with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 guidelines, which emphasize physical activity and sleep as key components of cardiovascular health. The study offers a practical, accessible strategy for patients recovering from cardiac events to improve their long-term health outcomes.