A new study warns that being sedentary after a hospital visit for chest pain could significantly increase the risk of future heart issues or even death within a year.
Published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, the peer-reviewed research followed 609 patients, with an average age of 62, after they were discharged from the emergency room for chest pain. Each participant wore a physical activity monitor for 30 days to track their daily movement, sitting time (excluding sleep), and rest patterns. The researchers then observed their health outcomes over a full year.
The results were sobering: patients who spent more than 15 hours a day being sedentary had more than twice the risk of suffering further heart complications or dying, compared to those who limited sedentary time to about 12 hours daily.
The study didn’t stop at highlighting risks — it also offered actionable advice. Replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with moderate or vigorous activity like brisk walking or running reduced the risk of heart problems or death by a striking 62%. Even light activities such as housework or slow walking dropped the risk by 50%, while adding half an hour of sleep offered a 14% reduction.
“Any movement, regardless of how intense, can be beneficial after hospitalization,” wrote lead author Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University. He emphasized that even patients who find exercise intimidating or challenging can take steps to protect their heart health.
The findings are especially relevant given that over 8 million Americans are hospitalized annually with chest pain, which could indicate acute coronary syndrome — a group of conditions linked to reduced blood flow to the heart.
While the study was observational and doesn’t prove causation, it underscores the importance of reducing sedentary time, particularly for those recently treated for potential heart issues.
Researchers hope further clinical trials can confirm these results and help develop clearer guidelines for recovery — especially since many patients may not realize that too much sitting could quietly sabotage their heart health.
