The findings, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, indicate that prolonged standing at work negatively impacts 24-hour blood pressure, while increased sitting is linked to better blood pressure levels.

Regular exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic activity, is essential for controlling blood pressure, but everyday physical activities also provide significant benefits.

The study emphasizes the importance of work-related activity behavior over recreational physical activity for effective blood pressure management.

Participants in the study wore thigh-worn accelerometers to track their activity levels during work, leisure, and days off, while also using portable blood pressure monitors for 24-hour readings.

Doctoral Researcher Jooa Norha highlighted that continuous monitoring of blood pressure over 24 hours offers a clearer picture of cardiovascular strain compared to single measurements.

To mitigate health risks associated with prolonged standing, Norha recommends taking breaks every half hour to walk or sit.

Norha also advises that employees in sedentary jobs should engage in sufficient exercise during their leisure time to effectively manage work-related strain.

While sedentary work is not inherently detrimental to blood pressure, engaging in recreational physical activity is crucial for overall fitness.

Employees, regardless of their job's activity level, should participate in diverse physical exercise during leisure time to maintain fitness and manage work-related stress.

A recent study from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study (FIREA) at the University of Turku examined the physical activity and blood pressure of municipal employees nearing retirement age.

Previous research has indicated that exercise during leisure time is more beneficial for cardiovascular health than physical activity performed at work, which can sometimes be harmful.

In summary, balancing work-related activity with regular leisure exercise is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.