This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Contrary to previous studies, a new research has discovered a link between prolonged TV viewing and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or early death.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on July 2, 2019, the study analyzed data from over 3,500 participants and found that leisure-time sitting, specifically watching TV, was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and death.
However, the study also revealed that moderate-to-vigorous exercise can reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of sedentary TV watching.
Study author Keith Diaz from Columbia University noted, 'Our findings show that how you spend your time outside of work may matter more when it comes to heart health. Even if you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, replacing the time you spend sitting at home with strenuous exercise could reduce your risk of heart disease and death.'
The study, which followed participants for about nine years, found that those who watched TV for four or more hours a day had a 50 percent greater risk of cardiovascular events and death compared to those who watched less than 2 hours a day.
Interestingly, the study found that those who sat the most at work had the same health risks as those who sat the least, suggesting that it may be the prolonged sitting at home, rather than at work, that poses the greater risk.
