From Black Mirror to Grace and Frankie, and Stranger Things 2, there are plenty of solid original movies and TV shows to binge-watch on Netflix. However, a new study has found that binge-watching could increase the risk of fatal blood clots.
Binge-Watching Is Bad For Your Health
During a 24-year study period, 15,150 participants were asked about how often they watched television, whether it's seldom, sometimes, often, or very often.
Study's lead reasearcher Dr. Yasuhiko Kubota, then estimated their chances of getting venous thromboembolism (VTE), clots that can form in the leg, which is mostly common to older adults over 60 years old. Dr. Kubuto found that up to 300,000 men and women in the United States suffer from venous thromboembolism (VTE) per year.
Participants stayed in close contact with the researchers, who counted 691 incidences of venous thromboembolism (VTE), clots forming inside their legs, back in 2011.
Signs And Symptoms Of VTE
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), when blood clots form in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading vascular diagnosis after people experience a heart attack or stroke. VTE affects up to 900,000 Americans every year. About 100,000 people die each year from blood clots, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In certain cases, VTE can include pulmonary embolism (PE), which is where a clot can break off and travel to the lungs. This can turn into a life-threatening condition where people need to seek medical attention immediately.
Exercise To Avoid Getting Blood Clots
Binge-watching movies and TV shows on streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, aren't the only ways people can increase their risk of getting blood clots. Other studies have found risk factors for blood clots are prolonged sitting, pregnancy, smoking, birth control pills, and blood clotting disorders inherited from family members.
VTEs can also be developed due to changes in blood flow. Certain diseases, medical treatments, and keeping legs in the same position for hours can add to VTEs.
Doctors also suggest men and women should create a regular exercise routine, such as walking, swimming, or running. Not only will exercise help manage weight, but it will help prevent VTE. Though, Dr. Kubota says even people who exercise frequently may be at risk for blood clots.
"Even individuals who regularly engage in physical activity should not ignore the potential harms of prolonged sedentary behaviors such as TV viewing," said Kubota.
