Watching TV for Prolonged Hours Elevates the Risk of Hazardous Blood Clots

Families Spend Most of the Time in Front of the Television

​Don’t be a couch potato! This is an often-quoted phrase by our parents, friends or loved ones when we spend increased time in front of the television. A study has found that risk of blood clot in the leg or lung increases when people spend ample time watching television, even when these people get the desired and recommended amount of physical activity.

Watching TV is not a bad idea. But sitting for a prolonged time with a bag of greasy potato chips or a can of soft drink is neither good. While long hours of viewing TV have already been associated with heart disease and blocked arteries, this study aims to discuss about the blood clots in veins of the legs, arms, pelvis and lungs associated with extended TV hours.

Around 15,000 participants in the age group of 45-64 participated in the study that concluded that:

1. The risk of developing venous thromboembolism (blood clot in the veins) was 1.7 times greater in individuals who viewed TV “very often” compared to those individuals who watch TV “rarely or never”.
2. The risk of venous thromboembolism was 1.8 times higher in participants who met recommended guidelines for exercise but still watched TV “often” compared to those who watched “rarely”.
3. Obesity was commonly seen in individuals who viewed TV often and the study linked only 25% increased risk to clots with obesity. The risk of life-threatening clots in the extremities and lungs increased with more TV viewing.
   
   

Steps to Decrease Screen Time

1. Watch television while doing exercise or riding a stationary cycle.
2. If you watch a TV show daily, tape it and view it later without the advertisements. Go out for a walk during the show to avoid any desire to watch the same.
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Decrease your risk for venous thromboembolism by eating nutritious foods and staying on a healthy weight. To achieve this healthy lifestyle of eating nutrient-dense foods and exercising, get in touch with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com who can help you formulate a healthy diet plan.