Too much television can double the risk of a heart attack, say scientists

A Scottish study found a strong association between screen-based leisure time and cardiovascular events.

People who watched TV or played computer games for four or more hours a day were 125 per cent more likely to suffer a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke than those who spent less than two hours in front of a screen.

The effect was independent from other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight, and lack of exercise.

"People who spend excessive amounts of time in front of a screen – primarily watching TV – are more likely to die of any cause and suffer heart-related problems," said study leader Dr Emmanuel Stamatakis, from University College London.

He added: "It is all a matter of habit. Many of us have learned to go back home, turn the TV set on and sit down for several hours – it's convenient and easy to do. But doing so is bad for the heart and our health in general.

"And according to what we know so far, these health risks may not be mitigated by exercise, a finding that underscores the urgent need for public health recommendations to include guidelines for limiting recreational sitting and other sedentary behaviours, in addition to improving physical activity."