Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/17/2016 -- A new scientific study draws a correlation between blood clot deaths and watching television.

Researchers in Japan found that those who spend five or more hours per day watching television faced twice the risk of a fatal blood clot in the lungs than those who watched half as much.

Greg Grambor is not surprised. Grambor is president of Vascular PRN, a leading distributor of pneumatic compression devices for the prevention of pulmonary embolism, blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.

"It comes down to a lack of physical activity," Grambor said. "It isn't the television causing the blood clots; it's the extended periods of sitting instead of standing and moving around. That's why post-surgical and otherwise immobile patients are monitored so closely for clotting."

Grambor explained that as people sit in front of a TV or at a computer, dangerous blood clots can form, especially in the deep veins of the legs. When these clots dislodge, they can travel to the heart, brain or lungs, causing heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Researchers also collected data on the subjects' weight, diabetic status, smoking habits and blood pressure. Even after correcting for these well-understood signals of blood clot risk, they found that extensive TV watching served as a further indicator of increased risk.

Previous studies have linked blood clots with other activities done while sitting for extended periods, such as riding in airplanes and cars. The U.S. sees more than 200,000 cases of pulmonary embolism per year.

Grambor pointed out that risk abatement for blood clots is a relatively straightforward matter.

"Sequential pneumatic compression is an affordable, non-invasive treatment available with a doctor's prescription. Many hospitals and nursing homes rely on these devices daily," he said. "And everyone can lower their risk simply by standing up and getting their blood flowing in their legs at least every couple of hours."