Sitting for prolonged periods is a risk factor for elevated blood pressure. With many of us sitting at our work desks for up to 8 hours a day, we are putting our health at risk. Persistent high blood pressure can put you at risk of various chronic health conditions, including stroke, heart attack and long-term heart disease. Clearly, we need to find a way to reduce our health risks while maintaining our productivity and motivation in the office.
Research has shown that alternating between sitting and standing positions throughout the day can significantly lower your blood pressure. By encouraging you to change positions frequently throughout the day, a height-adjustable standing desk helps to improve blood flow and improve your heart rate. Here, we explore how standing desks can improve your blood pressure and the benefits that this will bring you.
What Is Blood Pressure?
You must maintain a normal blood pressure level to support a healthy body. But what is a blood pressure measurement? Blood pressure refers to the force required to pump blood around your body. Blood pressure is monitored using two measurements - systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic measurement corresponds with the force needed to push blood out of the heart, while the diastolic represents the pressure between heartbeats as your heart rests. A regular blood pressure reading typically lies between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Any measurement of 140/90mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure, while any measurement below 90/60mmHg is referred to as low blood pressure.
Risks Of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, carries dangerous consequences if left untreated or undetected. Sustained high blood pressure can cause damage to
your blood vessels. As a result, sufferers can be left at greater risk of life-changing and even life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, kidney failure, vision problems and other serious health problems.
There are several lifestyle changes that you can make to limit your risk of high blood pressure. These include dietary changes, regular exercise and increased activity level, weight loss, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and reducing stress levels.
Sitting And High Blood Pressure
Dubbed “sitting disease,” a range of unpleasant side effects can result from spending excessive parts of the day sitting down. This is common in office workers, and leaves sufferers with a slowed metabolism, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, obesity and unhealthy cholesterol levels. A sedentary lifestyle can even increase your risk of mental health problems and cancer.
Sitting causes your blood vessels to constrict, significantly decreasing the circulation of blood through your body. This places increased pressure on your heart and raises your blood pressure. Poor blood circulation due to extended periods of sitting can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to varicose veins and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How Standing Desks Improve Blood Pressure
A standing desk could be the perfect solution to your raised blood pressure. Standing helps boost blood circulation throughout your body, increase your energy expenditure and improve your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure. You should alternate between sitting and standing positions regularly to get the most out of your standing desk. Experts suggest you spend around 1 hour standing for every 1-2 hours sitting. Combine this with daily walks around the office or outside in the fresh air, and you will reap the excellent benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
If you are suffering from some of the symptoms of high blood pressure, which include headaches, nosebleeds and difficulty breathing, you should consult your doctor. Although, it is important to note that high blood pressure often presents without any symptoms. Chronic high blood pressure may require medication, but you can use an active lifestyle alongside other treatments to increase their effectiveness.
Flexispot Are Here To Help
At Flexispot, we recognise the serious effects of a sedentary lifestyle and are committed to helping modern office workers embrace the benefits of an active work life. We stock an extensive range of ergonomically designed, height-adjustable standing desks, active seating solutions and corresponding accessories. Our team will be happy to advise on the best options for your specific needs. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.
A good-quality standing desk will help you burn more calories, boost your productivity and energy levels, improve your heart rate and blood circulation, reduce back and neck pain and optimise your posture. However, if you don’t think a standing desk is a suitable option, you may wish to consider a desk bike. Like a standing desk, a desk bike can reduce high blood pressure and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
