Sitting for long hours every day is associated with increased coronary artery calcification that can increase the risk of a heart attack, suggests a new research. Exercise may not entirely counteract the negative effects of a mostly sedentary lifestyle on coronary artery calcium. "It's clear that exercise is important to reduce your cardiovascular risk and improve your fitness level," said Jacquelyn Kulinski. "But this study suggests that reducing how much you sit every day may represent a more novel, companion strategy (in addition to exercise) to help reduce your cardiovascular risk," Kulinski, an assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, US, added.

"I think the study offers a promising message. Reducing the amount of time you sit by even an hour or two a day could have a significant and positive impact on your future cardiovascular health," said Kulinski. Coronary artery calcification, measured through a non-invasive CT heart scan, indicates the amount of calcium contained in plaques within the heart's arteries. By analysing heart scans and physical activities of more than 2,000 adults living in Dallas, the researchers found each hour of sedentary time per day on average was associated with a 14 percent increase in coronary artery calcification burden.

The research is scheduled for presentation at the American College of Cardiology's 64th Annual Scientific Session from March 14 to16 in San Diego.

By Premji