Being glued to TV could upset your heart - fatally

LONDON - Beware - watching TV for extended periods could damage your heart, even if you are sweating it out in the gym.

The study found the risk soared to 125 percent for those glued to TV screens for more than four hours daily, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports.

Even those watching TV for two or more hours daily faced a 48 percent greater risk of death. The same is also true of those in sedentary jobs, said Emmanuel Stamatakis, epidemiologist at the University College London and study leader.

Stamatakis said: “These risks may not be mitigated by exercise, a finding that underscores the urgent need for public health recommendations,” according to a University College statement.

The reason for the extra risk may be the effect prolonged sitting has on cholesterol and inflammation.