Long Computer Sessions Could Cause Blood Clots

kac5 writes "The Australian reports that extended stints in front of the computer can cause blood clots to form such as those that occur from Deep Vein Thrombosis. Researchers have named it e-thrombosis (what is it with naming everything to do with computers e something?). So /.'s get up out of your chair, slowly so not to make your body go into shock, and walk to the other side of the room and back. Now do that every hour and you should be right according to this article!"

Comments

makes sense....

[EngMedic]

this shouldn't come as a surprise, if you think about it. I'm reminded of the high occurence of lower-extremity (particularly foot) swelling that occurs on airlines. This isn't due to a change in pressure, it's due to the fact that you're sitting in one place for a longass time. Stands to reason that if you stagnate for too long, bad things happen.

why is this news?

[andrewdoyle]

Haven't we always been told to get up and away from the computer at regular intervals?

And why would sitting at a computer be any different to sitting in an aeroplane seat or sitting in ANY seat for that matter?

If you sit for too long you'll probably become a fat bastard and have a stroke.

Re:Nooooo!

[Simon Field]

He wasn't pregnant or elderly, but it would be interesting to know how many other risk factors the guy had.

Was he a smoker? Was alcohol involved? Was he getting enough water to drink? Was he overweight? Did he have any history of heart or blood conditions?

Even for frequent economy-class fliers, this is a rare problem. Most people at least flex their toes and ankles while at the computer, don't they?

Absurd

[tekunokurato]

It's absolutely absurd that they reference sitting in front of the computer as the cause.

First, it has absolutely nothing to do with computers, just with sitting.

Second, yes, people sit in front of computers more often now than they used to, but I think it's less a "sedentary lifestyle" and more a "productive lifestyle." People sit at desks a lot longer than they used to for other reasons, too. I've got Ibanking friends who are at work, at their desks, for at least 16 hours every day, except when they have occasional presentations. They're being productive, not sedentary.