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Elizabeth Cheung

Hongkongers are being urged to be more physically active to improve their heart condition as a government survey found more than 20 per cent of Hongkongers sit at least 10 hours per day.
According to an international review that studied almost 600,000 patients, people who sat more than 10 hours a day were 34 per cent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease compared to those who sit under three hours a day.
More than half of respondents in the Hong Kong health department’s Behavioural Risk Factor Survey completed last year were found to sit at least six hours a day. The study found that on average people sat 6.4 hours daily.
The risk of dying from cardiovascular disease for young people sitting more than 10 hours a day increased by 115 per cent, compared to those who sat fewer than four hours, as shown in a research done in Norway.
READ MORE: Too much running may not be good for your heart, says study
Dr Chan Pak-hei, a fellow at the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, said exercise could reduce the risk of heart disease.
“With adequate physical exercise, six per cent of coronary artery diseases can be avoided,” Chan said. “Blood pressure and blood lipids can be be lowered too.”
Dr Anne Fung, assistant director of health, said the public should do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
“People could exercise 10 minutes each time, and take at least three sessions a day,” she said.
Fung suggested people could incorporate exercises into daily activities, such as by standing on public transport or doing stretching exercises when watching television at home.
Their comments came ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September. To promote healthy eating, 19 local restaurants have agreed to provide heart-friendly dishes in the weeks to follow.


Hongkongers, get moving! Survey finds most sit at least 6 hours daily and need more activity for healthier heart

Health department officials presented their heart study findings today. Photos: Elizabeth Cheung 

Cardiologists and officials demonstrate under the guidance of a physical fitness trainer physical movements that one can do while in a sitting position.