Computer users risk blood clots

The New Zealand Herald ^ | 4 JANUARY 2005 | REBECCA WALSH

[rdb3]

Computer users risk blood clots

 

01.04.05
By REBECCA WALSH

 

People who sit for hours in front of a computer may be at risk of developing blood clots in their legs, a study suggests.

The condition has been associated with long-haul air travel but a paper published in today’s New Zealand Medical Journal, suggests sitting still for long periods at a computer could also cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The researchers, led by Professor Richard Beasley of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, have proposed the acronym "SIT" - seated immobility thromboembolism - to cover all forms of seated immobility associated with DVT.

But they caution that the link between sitting still and developing a DVT in the five case studies investigated could be coincidental. Further research is planned.

The Wellington study was based on five people discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of DVT, who had a history of sitting for long periods and no other risk factors, such as recent surgery.

It found the subjects spent eight to 15 hours a day sitting for work and recreation - the maximum number of hours seated was 30 hours. The subjects, aged 24 to 39, included a computer worker, graphic designer and a chef, who spent much of his free time at a computer. The subjects reported sitting for between three to six hours without getting up.

"The likelihood of a young adult without underlying risk factors developing a DVT or pulmonary embolism would be considered to be extremely low, suggesting the importance of immobility as a provoking factor in these subjects," the researchers said.

Professor Beasley first reported the possible link two years ago in a study published in a European medical journal.

He said yesterday the problem had been around for many years but had been slow to be recognised. During World War II people who sat on deck chairs in underground shelters for long periods suffered from blood clots.

More recently a tall woman sitting in a cramped seat at a New Zealand movie theatre watching The Lord of the Rings suffered DVT. He said there was no need for people whose work involved sitting for long periods to panic.

Those who stood up and moved around, even wiggling their legs as they sat, were unlikely to be at risk.

"But if you are the person who sits at a computer five hours at a stretch without getting up, who is absolutely absorbed by the computer and does that on a regular basis, I think you are at risk."

Dr David Black, a senior lecturer in occupational medicine at Auckland University, welcomed the study and said it warranted further research.

Occupational Safety and Health standards recommended people get up and walk around every hour to try to prevent conditions such as occupational overuse syndrome.

Dr Black said the research further highlighted the need for people who had surgery - one of the groups at risk of DVT - to get mobile as soon as possible.

Dr Tricia Briscoe, chair of the New Zealand Medical Association, said more people were spending longer periods on computers and it was vital that activity that involved prolonged sitting was regularly broken by getting up and exercising the legs.

Professor Beasley hoped the study would raise awareness - in four of the five case studies prolonged sitting had not been recognised by attending doctors as a possible cause.

[cmsgop]

Also it slows blood flow to men's "Bag of Worms"

[piasa]

The subjects, aged 24 to 39, included a computer worker, graphic designer and a chef

OK, carlo, watch that freepin'...

[RichInOC]

If it does that to some guys, they're not doing it right.

[glorgau]

Risk hell. This very thing happened to a friend of mine. Easy fix though - just get off your a**.

[cmsgop]

You never want to mess with the "Bag of Worms" !!!!

[jacquej]

Aw, geez, more ta worry about! Maybe I should just pack it in. Everything fun is gonna kill me.

You all think if I give all fun up, I will live forever?

[armymarinemom]

OK everyone. Take a break every few minutes do the hokey pokey .

[Tall_Texan]

I guess we're going to see a lot of call center folks in India dropping dead any moment now...

[Crazieman]

Well, considering that I've ALWAYS been a natural fidgeter, I'm not at risk. =]

Basically I have no cushion down there. I have to shift position every ten minutes or my legs go to sleep.

[Petronski]

Good thing I have the 'jimmy legs.'

[Alouette]

You all think if I give all fun up, I will live forever?

No, it will just seem that way.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

[DownInFlames]

Don't have to worry about this anymore. My job has been outsourced to Inda and now I'm working minimum wage selling and telemarketing.

[cmsgop]

LOL!

[ExTexasRedhead]

I hate to burst everyone's PC bubble, but--in the days of the 60's, I used to sit for hours on end at a typewriter. I guess people didn't have leg problems and blood clots in those days; has to be computers doing it.

[Paradox]

I have always wondered about this, I try to get up and walk around for several minutes, ever hour or two. I am not surprised by the results of this study.

[BJungNan]

Dang, you got that right. I have that problem now. Seriously.

[laurav]

Don't these people ever have to get up to go to the bathroom?

[Billthedrill]

I solve the problem by keeping my heels firmly planted on the desk. I tell the boss it's for health reasons but it's really so that the student aides can pop peeled grapes into my mouth.