Sitting on the couch, watching a lot of television or staring at a computer screen all day may harm your heart and shorten your life, suggests a new study, even if you get regular exercise.
Inactivity and obesity are two major factors in the development of heart disease, raising risk 39.5% and 33.9% respectively; according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Researchers found TV watchers may have double the risk of heart attack.
Writing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, scientists discovered people who spent at least four hours a day playing video games, watching TV, or using a computer for recreation were more than two times as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem, compared to individuals who kept their "screen time" under two hours per day.
The research included more than 4,500 Scottish adults, ages 35 or older. Experts used a survey to record the study participants' screen time and other health behaviors. Data revealed 54% of participants spent two to four hours of free time each day watching television or playing on the computer. And 29% spent four hours or more.
At the end of the study, 215 people suffered a heart attack or another cardiac event. And 325 had died from any cause. But the people who spent over four hours in front of a screen had more than double the risk of heart problems, compared to individuals who spent less than two hours.
And, the connection between screen time and heart risks did not significantly change when the researchers factored the amount of exercise (moderate to vigorous) study participants engaged in. Scientists say the findings show the health benefits of exercise are not enough to cancel out the effects of sitting in front of a screen for too long; part of a sedentary lifestyle.
To help "Fight the Sedentary Lifestyle," the American Heart Association suggests tracking your daily physical activity and daily dietary intake, creating personal walking maps, keeping weekly summaries of your progress, and researching valuable information to help you achieve your lifestyle goals.
Image credit: Curtis Gregory Perry
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