The best chairs for cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health is fundamental to our overall well being – as, after all, our cardiovascular system is essential to our overall health, affecting everything from energy levels to howa long we live.
That’s why it’s so important to choose the right kind of chair, like a riser recliner. They allow you to elevate your legs above heaart level, which can help to improve blood flow, unlike a regular chair.
Let’s take a closer look at how sitting down can impact your health, and which chairs are the best option for cardiovascular support.
The Impact of Prolonged Sitting
Many of us sit down for extended periods of time, whether at work or watching TV – but it’s not particularly good for us. Sitting down for prolonged periods is associated with a slower metabolism, affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. That means that prolonged sitting can reduce blood flow, potentially leading to pooling in the lower limbs, which increases the risk of blood clots. It can also increase blood pressure, and those who are sedentary often have worse health.
Key Chair Features Beneficial for Cardiovascular Health
If you do sit down a lot, it’s important to try to get up regularly, if you can. Additionally, there are some design features to look out for in chairs, as these can help to support your heart health.
Ergonomic Design
Poor posture can put unnecessary strain on your heart, affect circulation and cause poor spinal alignment. Research has found that poor posture can stimulate your sympathetic nervous system, which can significantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure. When seated in a chair that supports correct spinal alignment, the heart can work more efficiently. As you’re sitting up straight rather than hunched over, you have more lung capacity and your heart doesn’t need to work as hard to circulate blood. Therefore, it’s important to look for an ergonomic chair with features that support your spine, including lumbar support that helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine.
Reclining and Elevation Functions
Look for an ergonomic chair with features that support your spine, including lumbar support that helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Alleviating pressure on your cardiovascular system is just one of the many benefits of reclining chairs. By reclining in your chair, you create a good position for your spine, as well as keeping your blood flowing and your heart healthy.
Adjustability
Everyone’s needs are different – which is why it’s so important to choose a chair that allows you to adjust various elements to suit your needs. Look out for features like: Height adjustment, ensuring you can rest your feet properly on the floor which helps to maintain proper posture and avoid restricted blood flow behind the knees. Seat depth adjustment, which allows you to sit at the right height for your leg length. Riser feature: Riser recliners can help you to easily change position between reclined and seated, as well as helping you rise to your feet – perfect for individuals with limited mobility.
HSL Chairs Designed for Cardiovascular Support
Here at HSL, we’re committed to health-focused furniture. Our furniture is designed to support your neck, back and hips, which can help to support your cardiovascular system – and it’s also sized to fit everyone, whatever their shape or size.
We have a wide range of chairs that incorporate features designed to support your heart health, including:
Aysgarth Riser Recliner
This stylish chair, part of the Aysgarth collection, is made with stylish-yet-supportive cushioning that supports your head, neck, back and hips to ensure you have proper posture when sitting down, including a cascading back cushion for targeted support. As a riser recliner, you can recline and elevate your legs at the same time, helping to reduce swelling in your legs and feet while promoting better circulation. Then, at a touch of a button, the chair will help you effortlessly rise to your feet.
Aysgarth Riser Recliner
Ripley Recliner
The Ripley collection includes chairs with a cushioned, high back and wings, making them supportive, helping you to have proper posture, while the stylish curved arms offer extra grip and make it easier to stand up from a seated position. The Ripley riser recliner is a great choice for those looking for a luxurious chair with a user-friendly design. Effortlessly rise and recline at the touch of a button, with the option to add wood detailing to the arms for even easier sitting and standing.
The Ripley Collection
Burrows Relax Riser Recliner
The Burrows Relax collection is made for relaxation – but it’s also ergonomically designed to support your body, so you get the ultimate combination of comfort and health benefits. The two-tiered back cushion and firm base add an extra layer of comfort, and give firm support to help you maintain better posture. And with the Burrows Relax riser recliner, there’s an extra layer of cardiovascular support, allowing you to elevate your feet at the touch of a button.
Burrows Relax Riser ReclinerScientific Backing From Experts
Ergonomic design is crucial in riser recliner chairs to ensure that the chair back supports the natural curve of the spine, reducing strain and promoting healthy posture. We conducted research in partnership with Dr Andrea Utley at the University of Leeds, looking into the physiological impacts of sitting in a HSL chair that fits you.
The study found that sitting in a chair that fits you properly can:
Reduce heart rate
Increase oxygen flow
Lower blood pressure
So you can rest assured that the right chair not only contributes to your comfort but will also look after your health and wellbeing for years to come.
The design of the chair back directly impacts the comfort and support experienced by the user, with a well-designed chair back helping to alleviate discomfort and enhance relaxation. That’s why all of our furniture is approved by Julie Jennings Dip COT HCPC, our Independent Occupational Therapist – so you can be sure that our furniture truly is ‘feel good’.
Conclusion
We offer a wide range of chairs designed with heart health and comfort in mind. Not sure which one’s right for you? Our Exclusive Chair Fitting service will help you find a chair that fits perfectly. One of our Comfort Specialists will take you through a comprehensive assessment to ensure that each point of your body is supported to maximise comfort and overall wellbeing. And we even offer a Home Demonstration service, bringing the same feel good service you’d expect in our showrooms to the comfort of your home.
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