Figure 3.

Hypothesized mechanisms by which prolonged sitting may influence risk for hypertension and cardiovascular complications. Systemic reductions in metabolic demand and blood flow, and elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, may evoke concurrent decrements in insulin sensitivity and vascular function, promoting oxidative stress and low-grade inflammatory cascades. When prolonged sitting is habitual, these factors likely contribute to the development of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, promoting vascular damage and progression towards serious cardiovascular complications. GFR, glomerular filtration rate. NOS, nitric oxide synthase.