Sedentary Lifestyles Raise Risk of Heart Disease

01/19/2010

The American Heart Association is highlighting a recent study which finds that watching too much television may increase one's risk of cardiovascular disease and the shortened lifespan and health insurance costs that come with it.

The Australian study found that every hour per day spent sitting in front of a television produces a 9 percent increase in the risk of death from cancer and an 18 percent increase in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The researchers noted that this applies regardless of whether people are overweight or not, largely because of the effect that prolonged periods of inactivity tend to have on one's blood sugar and blood fat levels.

People who spent more than four hours per day watching television were said to have an 80 percent higher chance of dying from cardiovascular disease, regardless of whether they had other risk factors, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, or high blood pressure.

The findings are consistent with longstanding advice from health professionals who cite the benefits of trying to exercise for at least a short period of time each day. By taking some preventive steps now, people can expect to prolong their life, enjoy a better quality of life, and spend less on their future health insurance premiums as well.

ShareThis