Limiting TV Time May Reduce Heart Disease Risk for Those with Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Predisposition

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that minimizing daily television viewing to one hour or less may help reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers analyzed health records from 346,916 U.K. adults, tracking their cardiovascular health over nearly 14 years. The study found that participants who watched two or more hours of television daily had a 12% higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, regardless of their genetic risk profile.

Notably, individuals with medium and high Type 2 diabetes genetic risk showed no increased cardiovascular disease risk when they limited their daily TV viewing to one hour or less. The 10-year absolute risk of developing cardiovascular disease was lower (2.13%) for high-risk participants who minimized TV time compared to low-risk participants with extensive TV viewing (2.46%).

The findings underscore the potential of lifestyle modifications in mitigating health risks. By reducing sedentary behavior, individuals may have an opportunity to proactively manage their cardiovascular health, especially those with genetic predispositions to chronic conditions.

While the study focused on a U.K. population of primarily white British descent, it provides valuable insights into the relationship between sedentary behavior, genetic risk, and cardiovascular health. Researchers emphasize the importance of developing strategies that promote reduced sitting time and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.