Spending long hours in front of the TV can increase a person’s risk of blood clots and other health complications. The clot forms in the leg or pelvis due to inactivity and then can travel to the lung, leading to pulmonary embolism, a serious health threat.
The study included over 86,000 people in Japan who had to report the number of hours they spent watching TV. Participants were followed for over 19 years. During this time, 59 died of pulmonary embolism.
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Compared to people who spent less than 2.5 hours a day watching TV, the risk of pulmonary embolism increased 70 percent in those who watched TV for 2.5 to 4.9 hours a day. For every two additional hours, the risk of pulmonary embolism increased an additional 40 percent.
Americans typically watch more TV than Japanese, so the threat is quite real for Americans.
First author Dr. Toru Shirakawa said, “Nowadays, with online video streaming, the term ‘binge-watching’ to describe viewing multiple episodes of television programs in one sitting has become popular. This popularity may reflect a rapidly growing habit.”
Overall, there are lower rates of pulmonary embolism in Japan, compared to the U.S., but the Japanese are increasingly adopting a sedentary lifestyle, raising their risk.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include chest pains and shortness of breath.
The researchers recommend that you cut down on your TV watching time or at least try to get up at least once an hour – maybe during commercials?
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: TV ads influence children’s eating habits.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
