Prolonged Standing at Work Could Lead to Increased Blood Pressure

Research Suggests Standing Desk Enthusiasts Should Find a Balance for Better Blood Pressure

If you’re someone who swears by standing desks, you might want to pay attention to a recent study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. The study found that standing for prolonged periods at work could actually have negative effects on your blood pressure.

Researchers analyzed data from 156 workers in the Finnish Retirement and Aging study, with a median age of 62.4. The participants wore accelerometers to track their standing time, sedentary behavior, and levels of physical exercise. Additionally, their blood pressure was measured.

The results showed that workers who were more sedentary had lower nighttime diastolic blood pressure. On the other hand, those who spent more time standing had higher daytime diastolic blood pressure and fewer fluctuations in their blood pressure levels. Diastolic blood pressure is crucial as it measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest.

The researchers concluded that being sedentary at work was associated with better diastolic blood pressure in older adults compared to standing and being physically active. However, sitting for long periods has also been linked to increased risks of heart disease and overall mortality.

While standing isn’t inherently bad, the study’s lead author, Jooa Norha, explained that standing for extended periods can lead to changes in the body that impact blood pressure. Due to gravity, blood pools in the legs and feet, causing blood vessels to contract and the heart to work harder to maintain blood flow to the upper body, ultimately increasing blood pressure.

To strike a balance, experts recommend incorporating standing, walking, or other physical activities during the workday, especially for those with desk jobs involving prolonged sitting. Ultimately, finding a middle ground between sitting and standing, along with regular exercise, is key for better heart health.

So, if you’re an advocate for standing desks, it may be time to rethink your prolonged standing habits and focus on finding a healthy mix of sitting, standing, and movement throughout your day.