Can a Sedentary Lifestyle Lead to Chest Pain?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Yes, a sedentary lifestyle—characterized by limited physical activity—can contribute to many health problems, including heart conditions that cause chest pain.

Explanation

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with several health problems including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Over time, these diagnoses can put stress on your heart by making the heart work harder to pump blood effectively. The reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body can manifest as chest discomfort or pain. Although a sedentary lifestyle isn't the only cause of chest pain, it remains an important risk factor. Research consistently shows that regular exercise strengthens both the heart and blood vessels, which helps reduce heart disease risk. If you experience persistent chest tightness or pain, consult a doctor promptly. They can evaluate your heart health and determine whether increasing your physical activity could help improve your symptoms.

(References)

Park JH, Moon JH, Kim HJ, Kong MH, Oh YH. Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean J Fam Med. 2020 Nov;41(6):365-373. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0165. Epub 2020 Nov 19. PMID: 33242381; PMCID: PMC7700832.
Ghodeshwar GK, Dube A, Khobragade D. Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Jul 28;15(7):e42616. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42616. PMID: 37641769; PMCID: PMC10460604.
Lavie CJ, Ozemek C, Carbone S, Katzmarzyk PT, Blair SN. Sedentary Behavior, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Health. Circ Res. 2019 Mar;124(5):799-815. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.312669. PMID: 30817262.

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