Sitting Doubles Heart Risk; Drug Interaction Alert

Cardiovascular and stroke risks are rising across ages due to sedentary, high-stress lifestyles, but stroke is highly preventable by controlling blood pressure, monitoring and treating atrial fibrillation, and modest lifestyle changes such as improved diet, weight management and regular activity. New evidence shows prolonged sitting independently doubles the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events and is not fully offset by a single bout of exercise, so breaking up sitting (standing every ~30 minutes, walking, or using a standing desk) is recommended. Excessive, unstructured endurance running can cause myocardial fibrosis from repetitive micro-injury and inadequate recovery, harming long-term heart function. Research presented at the AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 warns that combining common antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) with CYP2D6‑metabolised beta blockers (eg metoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol) can trigger severe drops in blood pressure and bradycardia, prompting calls to review prescriptions and monitor at-risk patients. Because natural morning spikes in blood pressure and stress hormones make the heart more vulnerable, simple morning-habit changes and routine risk control are important.