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Even those who exercise on a regular basis are still at risk of developing heart-related issues when they spend too much time sitting down, according to a leading cardiology group. The American Heart Association also concurs with these findings and believes that too many people are spending too much of their time seated each day.

According to American Heart Association chair Deborah Rohm Young, this new advisory is designed to bring attention to the fact that US adults are sedentary for at least six to eight hours per day.

As we grow older, the problem only tends to worsen, as those who are 60 years and older will typically spend eight to ten hours each day in a sedentary position. By sitting in one place for too long, you are leaving yourself susceptible to the onset of heart disease and medical experts urge those with sedentary employment to get up and move around during the day.

30 minutes of moderate activity has long been the baseline for a healthy heart and additional movement throughout the day is now part of the requirement.

Exercise alone does not counteract the effects of sitting in one place for too long. People who live sedentary lifestyles are also more susceptible to diabetes, as well as the onset of other diseases. The best advice that doctors can provide is to do less sitting and move about more.

Doctors recommend a gradual reduction of your sitting time, a one-minute standing break per half hour of sitting, standing up while using public transportation, adding walking meetings to your schedule and setting an alert on your phone or computer that will remind you to get up and move around when needed.