New research underscores the health risks associated with excessive TV watching. On September 3, a team from the University of Minnesota reported that long hours of TV viewing increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by 1.7 times, highlighting a direct link between screen time and vascular health.
The study, which involved collaboration among public health experts from the University of Minnesota, the University of Vermont, and the University of North Carolina, found that extended TV watching raises the likelihood of VTE—a condition in which blood clots form in veins or the heart.
These clots can originate in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs, causing acute pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
If the condition becomes chronic, increased venous pressure may result in swelling and venous ulcers, severely affecting quality of life.
However, early symptoms are often subtle, making early detection difficult.
The research tracked around 15,000 Americans aged 45 to 64 from 1987 to 2011. Participants were asked about their TV-watching habits to gauge lifestyle patterns, ranging from “almost never” to “often. ” The study revealed that about 700 participants developed VTE during observation.
The research team found that approximately 700 participants developed VTE through their ongoing observations.
Individuals who frequently watched TV had a 1.7 times greater risk of developing VTE than those who rarely watched TV.
Surprisingly, this increased risk was largely independent of weight or exercise levels. In other words, even those who regularly exercise but watch a lot of TV face a higher likelihood of developing VTE.
The researchers highlighted that regular exercise alone is insufficient to counteract this risk, recommending instead that people reduce their TV-watching time and increase their overall physical activity.
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