A new scientific study conducted by the University of Cambridge indicates that more than one in ten cases of heart disease could be avoided if individuals reduce the time they spend in front of television screens. The university noted that sitting in front of the TV after a large evening meal and consuming additional snacks and drinks while watching increases the risk of health deterioration. Experts believe that more than one in ten cases of coronary heart disease could be prevented if individuals watch TV for less than an hour per day. However, if this isn't feasible, they suggest that people stand up and move around during their viewing time and recommend avoiding snacks and chocolate.
Common symptoms of coronary heart disease include chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath, which elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The researchers used data from a specific study of the "UK Biobank," which included 373,026 people, and investigated the genetic predisposition to heart disease. The research team examined the differences between individuals who watch television and those who use computers for leisure by assessing their responses to questionnaires.
Results obtained over a 13-year follow-up period indicated that, compared to watching television for more than 4 hours daily, those who watched for less than one hour had a 16% lower chance of developing coronary heart disease, regardless of their genetic risk factors. For those watching TV for 2 to 3 hours a day, the risk was reduced by 6% compared to watching for more than 4 hours daily. The study found that spending leisure time on a computer appeared not to affect the risk of disease.
The team identified possible reasons for these findings, including the tendency for television viewing to occur in the evening after dinner, which is often high in calories, leading to increased levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood. It is also likely that people consume snacks while watching TV more than they do when using a computer. Researchers stated that computer users are more likely to take breaks during their activity on the device.
According to the "British Heart Foundation," coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, responsible for about 64,000 fatalities each year.
