Standing at work can be detrimental to your blood pressure

A Finnish study found that prolonged standing at work had a negative impact on research participants’ 24-hour blood pressure. Conversely, spending more time sitting at work was associated with better blood pressure. The study suggests that activity behavior during work hours may be more relevant to 24-hour blood pressure than recreational physical activity.

Regular exercise is important for controlling blood pressure. In particular, more vigorous aerobic exercise is effective for lowering blood pressure, but daily physical activity can also have a beneficial impact. Previous studies have shown that exercise during leisure time is more beneficial for the cardiovascular system than physical activity at work, which can even be harmful to health.

24-hour blood pressure, important for cardiovascular health

In the Finnish Study on Retirement and Aging (FIREA) conducted at the University of Turku, the physical activity of municipal employees approaching retirement age was measured using thigh-worn accelerometers during working hours, leisure time and days off . Additionally, research participants used a portable blood pressure monitor that automatically measured their blood pressure every 30 minutes for 24 hours.

“Rather than any single measurement, 24-hour blood pressure is a better indication of how blood pressure stresses the heart and blood vessels throughout the day and night. If the blood pressure is slightly elevated throughout the day and does not drop enough even at night, the blood vessels begin to harden and the heart has to work harder to cope with the increased pressure. Over the years, this can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases,” says researcher Dr. Jooa Norha.

Take a break from your feet during the work day

The latest results confirm previous findings that physical activity at work can be harmful to the heart and circulatory system. In particular, prolonged standing can increase blood pressure because the body stimulates circulation to the lower limbs by constricting blood vessels and increasing the pumping power of the heart.

“A standing desk can provide a nice change from sitting at a desk, but too much standing can be harmful. It’s a good idea to take a break from standing during the work day, either by walking every half hour or sitting for certain parts of the day,” advises Norha.

Recreational physical activity is also necessary

In addition, the study results suggest that sedentary work itself is not necessarily harmful to blood pressure. Instead, researchers emphasize the importance of recreational physical activity for both office and construction workers.

“It’s good to remember that being physically active at work is not enough on its own. Engaging in various physical exercises in your free time helps maintain fitness, making work-related stress more manageable. Similarly, employees with predominantly sedentary jobs should make sure they get enough exercise in their free time,” emphasizes Norha.