Blood Clot Risk Rises with Binge-Watching TV for 4 Hours, Study Says

Experts from the University of Bristol have found evidence that binge-watching television for four hours straight could lead to blood clot formation in the lungs or legs, proving once again that a sedentary lifestyle brings harmful outcomes.

In a study published for the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the experts noted that people who sit in front of the TV for four hours increase their risk of a potentially fatal blood clot by 35 percent compared to those who watch less than two and a half hours of TV a day. 

The experts delved into the health information of 131,421 adults above 40 years old who had no history of blood clots. They self-reported their TV times for a period of five to 20 years. At the end of the study, 964 of the participants developed venous thromboembolism (VTE).

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What is VTE?

According to the National Heart and Lung Institute, VTE covers disorders like deep vein thrombosis DVT and pulmonary embolism, which basically means there are blood clot formations in the lower leg, pelvis or thighs (for DVT) and the lungs (for pulmonary embolism).  VTE happens when the blood flow slows down because of likely damage or blockage in the blood vessel lining.

Blood clots may be the result of trauma following surgery, an injury, or an inflammation response due to an infection. However, the NHLI also stated that not moving for longer periods could hamper the body's blood flow as a sedentary lifestyle results in a "low-oxygen environment" that could easily trap the blood in the veins.

The symptoms of VTE are different for every person but it may include pain and tenderness, swelling, as well as redness or discoloration in the calf or thighs. If it's pulmonary embolism, the person may experience increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and pain when breathing. In some cases, the person may also have fainting spells, anxiety, and excessive sweating.

Treating VTE depends on the case and some might not even need to take medications but change their habits and activities. Doctors may prescribe blood thinners or thrombin inhibitors while others could be a viable candidate for vena cava filter, depending on their age and situation.

Take breaks when TV watching

However, lead author Dr. Setor Kunutsor said that the best solution to lessen the risk of blood clot formation for binge-watchers is to cut down their TV times with a break every 30 minutes. He suggested using this break to stretch muscles or ride on a stationary bike. Kunutsor also advised against watching TV while having an unhealthy snack as combining these activities may lead to obesity or high blood pressure, which are also risk factors for blood clot formation.

In the U.S. over one million people develop DVT every year and some 100,000 die from the disorder. The study authors also said that VTE risk is not linked to age, sex, body weight and physical activity because binge-watching TV for more than four hours is still unhealthy.

"Generally speaking, if you sit a lot in your daily life be sure to get up and move around from time to time," the doctor said.

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