How four hours of TV a day could raise your heart attack risk
Most of us would admit to spending the odd evening slumped in front of the TV after a hard day's work but according to scientists all that screen time could be seriously damaging our health.
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Researchers at University College London's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health claim the risk of heart disease is significantly higher for those who spend more than four hours a day watching TV or playing computer games.
The study looked into the association between heart attacks and TV-watching and the results showed that the risk of death was increased by 48 per cent.
And the risk of a cardiovascular event was roughly 125 per cent higher in those putting in more than four hours a day, irrespective of factors such as smoking, class and exercise.
Unfortunately that also applies to those working on computers every day, leaving those in sedentary jobs with a real health problem.
Scientists believe the increased risk may be as a result of the effect prolonged periods of sitting has on cholesterol and inflammation.
Dr Emmanuel Stamatakis, whose research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, said: "These risks may not be mitigated by exercise, a finding that underscores the urgent need for public health recommendations."
What do you think? Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle and will this news encourage you to cut your TV-watching hours? Let us know below...
