Is an increase in sedimentary time linked to coronary artery calcium? A recent study done in the United States (“US”) looked at this issue. In a time where many Americans spend more and more time not being active, this study can shed light regarding an important issue, being as active as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) report that 610,000 people die each year due to heart disease. This means that when the numbers are carefully studied, 1 in every 4 people die each year in the US from heart disease. In addition, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.
Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease for most people. It occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This buildup of plaque then leads to a narrowing of the arteries over time, which can cause serious injury or death. Coronary heart disease kills about 370,000 people each year.
The study lead researchers to look at the actions, and non-actions of middle aged volunteers. What the study revealed was that each added hour of sedimentary time was linked to odds being 12% higher of a buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries, which is of course an early sign of heart disease.
The data analyzed was the more than 2,000 participants in the Dallas Heart Study who had measures of their physical activity done by tracking devices. In addition, coronary artery calcium scans were also performed.
Participants were on average 50 years old and older. Add to this, the volunteers spent 1 hour a day being sedimentary to 11 hours a day.
To learn more about the study, and read the article in support of this post, click HERE.
