In comparison with those who reported they seldom or never watch TV there was an increase in the risk for blood clots in the leg veins or in the lungs in those who reported they watch TV very often. There is an increase in risk for blood clots with the amount of time which is spent watching TV, even when the people get the amount of physical activity which is recommended.
Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., who is co-author of this study and a professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington, says that watching TV itself is not likely to be bad, however we generally remain still while snacking for prolonged periods of time while we are watching TV.
An association has been found between heart disease which involves blocked arteries and prolonged watching of TV. However this is the first study done in a western population to consider blood clots in veins of the arms, legs, pelvis and lungs which are known as venous thromboembolism or VTE. Aside from avoidance of prolonged watching of TV you can decrease your risk of thromboembolism by being active physically and by keeping your weight healthy.
It has also been reported by the American Heart Association that there may be an increased risk for death in people who watch TV excessively. There is a much greater risk of death from a blood clot in the lung, or what is known as a pulmonary embolism, in people who watch TV for five or more hours daily. It is recommended that whenever there is so much time being inactive that the leg muscles should be flexed and you should stand up and stretch occasionally to lower the risk of pulmonary embolism.
Too much time watching TV with its associated sedentary behavior really can be deadly. It's a good idea to lead a more active and less sedentary life. But if you are hooked to the TV screen or other types of sedentary behavior for prolonged periods than certainly it's a good idea to find time to stretch your legs and move around.
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