Many people work long hours and rarely engage in physical activities after work, which leads them to inadvertently form a habit of prolonged sitting.
A cardiologist from Taiwan (China), Dr. Gan Zongben, shared a case on the medical show “Doctor is Hot” and mentioned that the man had been at an internet café, where he strangely didn’t leave his seat for 50 hours. When checked on, he was found breathless and had passed away. It was eventually determined that the man died suddenly due to prolonged sitting, and “deep vein thrombosis” causing blockages in the heart or lungs.
Dr. Gan stated that prolonged sitting could lead to serious consequences when a large amount of blood clots causing blockages in the lungs could potentially lead to sudden death, “even without the strength to call for help.” He urged people to be aware of the risks of prolonged sitting, suggesting that during leisure activities such as watching long TV series, playing video games, etc., one should try to avoid sitting for long periods and regularly stand up to move around. Additionally, staying hydrated and thinning the blood can help prevent blood clot formation.
Dr. Gan also warned that “deep vein thrombosis” might not necessarily have symptoms when it occurs, but if people familiar with a sedentary lifestyle or after prolonged sitting feel “swelling, heat, and pain” in the extremities (hands, feet), they should not massage it at home as it could cause blood clots to move elsewhere at any time, resulting in dangerous consequences. If this happens, immediate medical attention is recommended.
Apart from increasing the risk of sudden death, prolonged sitting also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, potentially causing bone damage, muscle atrophy, and poor blood circulation, thus affecting cognitive and mental abilities.
Moreover, an estimated 6% of the global population suffers from cardiovascular disease, 7% from type 2 diabetes, and 10% from breast and colorectal cancers, primarily due to prolonged sitting.
The longer the sitting, the fewer calories burned, potentially leading to weight gain. Obesity is a major cause of many diseases. A study involving over a million people also indicated that the less physical activity, the higher the risk of premature death.
5 Warning Signs Before the Onset of Blood Clots
When blood clots block blood vessels in the body, blood cannot flow normally to tissues and organs, with the most common symptom being blocked blood vessels in the heart, leading to coronary artery disease and heart failure. Heart disease often has no symptoms, but in reality, before a blood clot occurs, most patients have dangerous signs often overlooked, missing the chance for early diagnosis and prevention.
Here are some potential signs:
- Swelling and pain in the arms or legs
Blood clots can cause localized swelling and pain in a limb because the blood clot in the blood vessels prevents normal blood flow. In this case, it’s advised to avoid moving around to prevent blood clots from dislodging and causing blockages in the cardiovascular system or blood vessels. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Changes in skin color
Blood clots can change the color of the skin in a particular area, such as turning red or purple. The skin might also become warm, itchy, or tight.
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
Blood clots can cause numbness or weakness in limbs because blood cannot flow normally, depriving the limbs of sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
- Shortness of breath
Patients may feel shortness of breath when sitting or lying down for an extended period, which often decreases when taking deep breaths. This could be due to blood clots appearing in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Statistics show that 30% to 40% of patients with acute myocardial infarction caused by blood clots will experience symptoms such as palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain within a week before onset. Unfortunately, patients often fail to recognize these as warning signs of blood clots, thus missing the best treatment opportunity. If there is a sudden tightening in the chest, chest pain, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals, seeking medical attention is advised.
