CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Sitting for long hours at the office, constantly looking at screens and a lack of physical activity can become a serious health risk. Experts have warned that sitting continuously for hours can slow blood flow in the veins of the legs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the body’s deep veins, especially in the legs.
What is deep vein thrombosis? In deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot forms in the body’s deep veins. When a person remains seated in the same position for a long time, movement of the leg muscles decreases. This can affect the process by which blood returns to the heart through the veins. If the clot breaks away and travels with the bloodstream to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.
Why is sitting for long periods risky? Desk jobs, online gaming, continuous OTT viewing and long journeys are habits in which a person may remain seated for hours without moving. According to a published study, people who spent the most time sitting were found to have a 24 percent higher risk of venous thromboembolism. The study also recorded an approximately 2 percent rise in risk with each additional hour of sitting per day. However, these figures show an association with risk and not a definite probability that an individual will develop the disease.
Do not ignore these symptoms. Major symptoms of DVT include swelling in one leg, pain or cramping in the calf, warmth in the affected area and changes in skin colour. In some people, there may be no clear symptoms. If symptoms such as sudden difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness or fainting occur, emergency medical help should be sought immediately.
What should be done for prevention? While working in the office, get up and walk at regular intervals, keep moving the feet and ankles, and set aside time for physical activity every day. During long journeys as well, walking at intervals and keeping the legs active can be helpful. If there is sudden swelling or pain in the leg, seek medical advice instead of self-treatment.
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