Couch Potatoes Beware: Too Much Time Spent Watching TV Is Harmful to Heart Health

ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2011) — Spending too much leisure time in front of a TV or computer screen appears to dramatically increase the risk for heart disease and premature death from any cause, perhaps regardless of how much exercise one gets, according to a new study published in the January 18, 2011, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

A new study finds that spending too much leisure time in front of a TV or computer screen appears to dramatically increase the risk for heart disease and premature death from any cause. (Credit: iStockphoto/Hans Laubel)

This article looks at the the link between watching TV, spending time on the computer and how that can lead to both non-fatal and fatal cardiac events.  The research stated that people who spend less than 2 hours a day are less likely to suffer cardiac problems or early death compared to people who sit in front of the TV or computers for 4 hours or more each day.  

"In fact, compared with those spending less than two hours a day on screen-based entertainment, there was a 48% increased risk of all-cause mortality in those spending four or more hours a day and an approximately 125% increase in risk of cardiovascular events in those spending two or more hours a day. These associations were independent of traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, BMI, social class, as well as exercise."

These findings have led the authors of the study to advocate for health guidelines for recreational sitting; considering that many people have jobs that are already require them to sit in front of computer screens for long periods of time.

I found this interested because I find myself sitting in front of computers all day long for work and then I go home most evenings and sit infront of a computer screen to prepare for the next day.  On top of that I relax by watching TV to much.

Connections that can be made are we are becoming a much less active culture.  Our lives are helped so much by modern technology like computers and other electronics but at what cost.  It is good that studies are being done so that our global culture can take a look at this more closely and come up with ways of relaxing and still staying healthy.

If you are interested in reading more about this click on the following link.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110164736.htm