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"The Japanese people are increasingly adopting sedentary lifestyles, which we believe is putting them at increased risk." The authors suggested that risk is likely to be greater
than the findings suggest. Deaths from pulmonary embolism are believed to be underreported because diagnosis is difficult. The most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism - chest pain and
shortness of breath - are the same as other life-threatening conditions, and diagnosis requires imaging that many hospitals are not equipped to provide. Researchers accounted for several
factors that might have influenced findings, including obesity, diabetes, cigarette smoking and hypertension. After the number of hours spent watching TV, obesity appeared to have the next
strongest link to pulmonary embolism. Dr Toru Shirakawa, the lead author and a research fellow in public health at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, said the findings may be
particularly relevant people in the west because studies suggest they watch more tell than the Japanese. Dr Shirakawa said: ”Nowadays, with online video streaming, the term
'binge-watching' to describe viewing multiple episodes of television programs in one sitting has become popular. This popularity may reflect a rapidly growing habit." Authors
said people who watch a lot of TV can take several easy steps to reduce their risk of developing blood clots in their legs that may then move to their lungs. He added that drinking water may
also help and, in the long run, shedding pounds if overweight is likely to reduce risk. The study recorded participants' viewing habits before computers, tablets and smartphones became
popular sources of information and entertainment.