Replacing just 30 minutes of sedentary time with workouts is associated with more than 61 percent lower risk of heart issues

The more you sit and follow a sedentary lifestyle, the higher your risk of disease—including heart issues like heart attack and stroke, according to a new study. Experts believe too much sitting not just shortens your lifestyle, but sedentary behaviour has also been linked to heart issues—the number one cause of death across the world.

Every year, millions visit emergency rooms with chest pain, and around 65 per cent of them are admitted to the hospital, data shows. Doctors say even though heart disease is the top cause of death, it is also highly preventable. With a good and balanced diet, exercise, stress, and regulated sleep, you can take care of your cardiovascular health—whether you have a heart issue or not.

The study, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, found that replacing just 30 minutes of sedentary time with low-intensity workouts is associated with more than 50 per cent lower risk of heart issues. Also, replacing 30 minutes of sedentary time with moderate-vigorous physical activity was associated with a 61 per cent lower risk of cardiac events.

Also, researchers concluded that swapping sitting with just about anything else, including sleep, is also instrumental in making your heart healthy.

According to experts, regular workouts can help lower blood pressure levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides—all of which contribute to cardiovascular issues.