Sedentary Behavior, Cardiovascular Risk and Importance of Physical Activity and Breaking-Up Sedentary Behavior

Abstract

Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the common leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and all-cause mortality. However, not much is known concerning the relationship between SB and CV risk factors. This chapter aimed to explore the scientific knowledge that examines the association between SB and CV risk factors and its association with the development of CVD. Besides, the focus on preventing the SB by avoiding prolonged sitting and breaking-up the extended periods of sitting, and participating in physical activity (PA) are usually highlighted in this chapter, explaining how these intervention protocols can reduce the burden of CVD due to SB. Regardless of the known benefits of both PA and taking frequent breaks when engaging in sedentary tasks, the adaptation of a physically active lifestyle has remained very low because of various reasons; habitual behavior, insufficient or lack of time, misconceptions of CVD related health benefits from PA. Thus, it is very important to break these barriers associated with PA and encourage the physically inactive population, especially those who practice prolonged sitting to actively participate in PA and break the prolonged sitting time with regular interval breaks. Therefore, promotion of PA and limiting the sedentary tasks which would lead to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and better quality of living is necessary among all age groups, gender and ethnicities to prevent many chronic illnesses, specifically CVD and its associated risks related to SB.