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Sitting in an office leads to the development of leg thrombosis
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Sedentary office work can significantly increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis in the legs, according to a recent study by researchers from New Zealand. Blood clots in the legs and pelvis occur when a person leads a sedentary lifestyle, sits in one place for a long time, without getting up to stretch a little.
Deep vein thrombosis may be asymptomatic, but in some cases it manifests itself as swelling, redness and pain in the area of the blocked blood vessel.
Much bigger problems arise when the thrombus displaces. In this case, it can reach the lungs, which can lead to the development of sharp chest pains, coughing and shortness of breath. Recent statistical studies have shown that office workers usually sit at their workplace for a maximum of about 3 hours and 45 minutes in a row during the entire working day before getting up for one reason or another. For many people, this figure is significantly higher due to the habit of having a snack at work, instead of getting up during lunch break and walking at least to a cafe in the next room.
Every hour of sitting increases the chance of developing a blood clot by 10%, which is why there are currently around 60,000 fatal cases of deep vein thrombosis recorded each year in England alone. People who work from home are at about the same risk. To reduce the risk of blood vessel thrombosis, it is necessary to get up from your desk to walk a little at least once every 30 minutes, plus be relatively active during your lunch break, and periodically stretch your legs during the workday – doctors recommend.
“Many people understand that a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, not everyone is aware that sitting in one place and without any physical activity more than doubles the risk of developing blood clots, which are more likely to be fatal. Office workers need to be aware of these serious risks to their health,” notes Beverley Hunt, a doctor and director of the charity Thrombosis Research England.
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