Television has become an integral part of our daily lives. We watch it for entertainment, news, and to stay updated on the latest happenings around the world.

However, recent studies have shown that prolonged television viewing can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Here’s what you should know about the link between television and blood clots.

What are Blood Clots?

Blood clots are the result of the blood coagulating or clotting, which is a normal process when you get injured. However, when blood clots form inside your body without an injury, it can lead to serious health problems.

The most common type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in deep veins in the leg or arm. DVT can be fatal if left untreated as the clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

The Link Between Television and Blood Clots

Recent studies have shown that prolonged television viewing can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

This is due to the fact that sitting for long periods of time can lead to a stagnant blood flow in the legs, which increases the likelihood of blood clots formation. In addition, we tend to snack on unhealthy foods while watching TV, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Both obesity and sitting for long periods have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Blood Clots While Watching TV

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk of blood clots while watching TV. One of the most effective ways is to take regular breaks and move around.

Try to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes and walk around for a few minutes to get your blood flowing. You can also do simple exercises such as leg lifts and ankle rolls to keep your blood flowing. In addition, try to maintain a healthy diet and avoid snacking on unhealthy foods while watching TV.

Other Factors that Increase the Risk of Blood Clots

While prolonged television viewing is a risk factor for blood clots, there are several other factors that can increase your risk as well. These include:.

Smoking
Obesity
Pregnancy
Using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
Being over the age of 60
Having a family history of blood clots
Having a history of cancer or undergoing cancer treatment

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away as they may be indicative of a blood clot:.

Pain, swelling or tenderness in the leg, ankle or foot, which may not subside with rest
Sudden onset of chest pain or difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood
Severe headache or blurred vision
Speech difficulties or numbness in the face, arm or leg

Conclusion

Prolonged television viewing is a risk factor for blood clots, but there are several ways to reduce your risk. Take regular breaks and move around, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid unhealthy snacks.

If you experience any symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical attention right away.