Repeat bouts of high-intensity burst exercises such as those that may be part of manual labor can cause a very rapid rise in heart rate. Spikes in heart rate could help trigger cardiovascular crises “or promote higher levels of inflammation/injury that could promote heart disease over time,” Appelbaum added.
If the only exercise you get is at work, it’s not enough to boost heart health, said Dr. Guy Mintz. He directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.
“Patients engage in physical activity during time away from work, and any physical activity at work is a bonus, not a replacement, for good aerobic activity,” Mintz said. “The findings serve as a wake-up call to companies to promote regular cardiovascular activities in the workday. This can range from yoga, to floor exercise like Tai Chi, to step competitions, etc., to gyms on site.”
More people are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that could be a good thing, Mintz noted.
“There is a great opportunity to build in effective leisure-time activities into the workday to promote cardiovascular health and a happier and healthier workforce,” he said. “I recommend that all my patients engage in 40 minutes of continuous aerobic activity, like walking, at least four times a week, and there is no excuse not to achieve this goal while working from home.”
More information
Learn how much exercise you need for a healthy heart at the American Heart Association.