Experts warn of desk lunch DVT risk
When you're hard at it in the office, grabbing a bite to eat isn't always easy but experts warned that having lunch at your desk could be putting you at risk of developing a fatal blood clot.
Top related searches:
A survey of young professionals aged between 21 and 30, by ComRes, found that three out of four office workers skipped their lunch break and three quarters admitted to eating at their desk, a practice which could significantly raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Avid gamers were also at risk - of the 16 to 21-year-olds that took part in the same survey, nine out of 10 confessed they would go longer than 90 minutes without taking a break.
Since the blood flow to the vein behind the knee drops by 50 per cent after just 90 minutes of inactivity, the risk is not one to be taken lightly.
A separate survey of 400 workers by the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand found that those who regularly opted for a working lunch experienced a 2.2 increase in the risk of developing blood clots.
Dr Richard Beasley, director of the Institute, told the Daily Mail: "People know that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life.
"However, very few are aware of the fact prolonged immobility in the workplace also poses an immediate threat. People must be educated regarding the risks associated with sitting down for long periods."
So do yourself a favour this lunchtime and take a well-deserved break... your health just might depend upon it.
Do you take lunch at your desk or make sure you get out and about during your break? Leave your comments below...
