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Office desk workers at risk of vein thrombosis
A study has confirmed that sitting for long periods is as dangerous as flying for raising the risk of potentially fatal blood clots.
- The Telegraph Group Limited
- Published: 00:38 May 16, 2008
Office workers who sit at a desk for eight hours a day and spend more than three hours without stretching double their risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, scientists have warned.
A study has confirmed that sitting for long periods is as dangerous as flying for raising the risk of potentially fatal blood clots.
Researchers in Southampton and New Zealand questioned 200 patients who were admitted to hospital for either blood clots or heart problems and compared how long each group had remained sitting, both in total and in one period without getting up.
Blood clots
Professor Richard Beasley, from Wellington Hospital, New Zealand, said: "The risk of developing blood clots with prolonged seated immobility is largely unrecognised. However, this study has shown that it is at least as important a factor as long-distance air travel."
"It is similar to the situation with the risk of blood clots with long-haul flights - it was not until there was research into its role that the real extent of the problem was appreciated."
"Both the maximum time seated at work during a 24-hour period and the maximum time seated without getting up were associated with an increased risk."
Each additional hour spent sitting without getting up increased the likelihood of blood clots by 20 per cent, the study found.
Leg exercise
All workers who commonly sit at their computer for most of the day should do the same leg and foot exercises, such as flexing the ankles, that are recommended during long-haul flights, it was advised.
They should also take regular breaks away from their desk to walk around, said the researchers.
The authors, whose study is published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, said the increased risk associated with sitting may be because of increased pressure in the veins in the legs.
It is estimated that about one in 2,000 people develops deep vein thrombosis each year in Britain.
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