Turns out, standing desks are not all that good for your health either

Dr Pravin Kahale, consultant cardiologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, weighed in on the findings: “While standing is likely better than sitting for extended periods, it does not significantly improve cardiovascular health. To see real benefits, you need more movement; standing alone doesn’t offer any significant advantages.”

Health risks of prolonged standing

Dr Kahale explained the risks of prolonged sitting:

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, due to reduced circulation. Prolonged standing can restrict blood flow, making the veins more susceptible to clotting.
2. Varicose Veins: Standing for extended periods causes increased pressure on leg veins, leading to swelling and malfunctioning valves. This condition, known as venous insufficiency, can cause blood to pool in the veins, resulting in varicose veins, which may lead to leg swelling, pain, and even ulcers.
3. Venous Insufficiency: Dr Kahale explains, “Prolonged standing causes the veins in the legs to dilate, and their valves malfunction. This is especially common among people whose jobs require them to stand for long periods, like bus conductors or factory workers. This doesn’t necessarily increase heart issues, but it can cause significant problems in your legs over time.”

Even taking short walks, stretching, or using sit-stand cycles during work can help. (file)

If left untreated, varicose veins and venous insufficiency can lead to more serious issues such as non-healing leg ulcers, which may require surgical or radiofrequency treatments to close the affected veins. These conditions are not directly linked to heart disease, but the long-term damage to the circulatory system in the legs can significantly impair quality of life.

Dr Kahale emphasises that while standing for brief periods can be beneficial, prolonged standing alone is not sufficient for improving heart health. He explains, “If you compare sitting for two hours to standing for two hours, the difference is minimal in terms of cardiovascular health. True benefits come from engaging in movement-based activities like walking, running, or jogging.”

Incorporating movement at work

Rather than relying solely on standing desks, incorporating regular movement into your daily routine is key to enhancing both physical and cardiovascular health.

Even taking short walks, stretching, or using sit-stand cycles during work can help. Movement encourages better circulation and has been shown to improve mental focus and energy levels, counteracting the harmful effects of both prolonged sitting and standing.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.