Those who stare for hours (or more precisely, 5 hours a day) at a television screen have a 150 percent greater risk of dying from a pulmonary embolism. Unfortunately, it has not been investigated which programs or series are particularly lethal.
Scientists from the University of Osaka studied over 86 people aged 40-79. In addition, they watched them for almost two decades, for as many as 19 years. 59 of the group died from pulmonary embolism. Obesity turned out to be the second most frequent risk factor for pulmonary embolism.
The researchers considered a number of factors that could influence the results, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension or smoking in the subjects.
In their opinion, the risk of death from pulmonary embolism associated with prolonged TV viewing may be higher than shown in the study. It is known that the diagnosis of this disease is difficult, and therefore the related mortality is underestimated. The most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism, i.e. chest pain and dyspnoea, also occur in other life-threatening ailments, and moreover, imaging diagnostics necessary to diagnose this disease is not always performed.
Lead author of Toru Shirakawa’s study estimates that the results of his team’s study may particularly apply to Americans who, according to statistics, watch more TV than Japanese.
In turn, the co-author of the work of prof. Hiroyasu Iso of the University of Osaka emphasizes that although pulmonary embolism occurs less frequently in Japan than in Western countries, the number of cases may increase. This has to do with the fact that the Japanese are increasingly adopting a Western, sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of this disorder, he explains.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism usually occurs as a result of blockage of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus that has traveled with blood from deep veins (most often those located in the legs). Pulmonary embolism is one of the most serious consequences of venous thromboembolism (also known as thrombosis). longer immobilization. Statistics show that thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death in people from cardiovascular disease – along with heart attack and stroke.
Researchers recall that TV enthusiasts can take simple steps to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism. Prof. Iso recommends, among other things, to get up after an hour in front of the glass screen, take a walk, stretch, or while watching TV, alternately tighten and relax the muscles of the legs for five minutes. This is similar advice to people who travel long distances by air, as they too are at risk of developing thrombosis. In addition, it is worthwhile to hydrate regularly and lose weight in the long run.
The research was carried out in 1988-90, when computers, tablets and smartphones were not our mass entertainment. Now, there are plans to check the relationship between the use of these devices and the risk of death due to pulmonary embolism.