In January 2019 researchers from Greece published the results of their study to assess the association between television viewing, as a sedentary behaviour pattern, and risk of atherosclerosis. A total of 2,043 individuals were involved in the study. Information on physical activity and sedentary behaviour was collected via questionnaire. The average hours per week spent on watching television, videos or DVDs was calculated, following which the individuals were divided into three groups, namely low (under 7 hours/week), moderate (7-21 hours/week) and high (over 21 hours/week) television viewing time groups. Ultrasound was used to measure the carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of carotid plaque, a sign of atherosclerosis. Results showed that the incidence of atherosclerosis was lower in the low television viewing time group when compared to the moderate and high groups. A further analysis revealed that those individuals in the high television viewing time group had an estimated 80% increased risk of atherosclerosis when compared to individuals in the low group.
Lazaros G et al. The impact of sedentary behavior patterns on carotid atherosclerotic burden: Implications from the Corinthia epidemiological study. Atherosclerosis. 2019 Jan 29;282:154-161.