A male student from Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after spending most of his summer vacation lying in bed, using his smartphone, and playing video games for extended periods each day.
The student had just completed his national university entrance examination and spent nearly every day at home. He reportedly spent more than five hours a day gaming or scrolling on his phone, usually reclining on a sofa or lying in bed with very little physical activity.
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The long period of immobility
Just recently, he began experiencing swelling, persistent pain, and enlargement of his right calf. The pain gradually worsened, eventually making it difficult for him to walk, according to Chinese media, ETtoday.
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Initially, his family believed the discomfort was simply muscle soreness caused by prolonged inactivity. However, when the symptoms continued to worsen, they took him to the hospital, but medical examinations confirmed that he had developed deep vein thrombosis in his lower limb, requiring immediate hospitalisation and treatment.
Doctors noted that the student may have had an underlying genetic predisposition to blood clotting, known as a thrombophilic condition, but highlighted that the primary trigger was his prolonged period of immobility.
Not uncommon among the youth
Medical experts cautioned that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease after heart attacks and strokes. Activities such as spending hours lying in bed using a smartphone, binge-watching videos, or playing video games without taking breaks can significantly slow blood circulation in the legs, increasing the risk of clot formation.
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Doctors advise people to watch for symptoms that may indicate DVT, particularly if they occur in only one leg. Common warning signs include:
- Noticeable swelling in one leg, especially the calf or thigh
- One leg becoming visibly larger than the other
- Persistent aching, heaviness, or tenderness in the affected limb
- Redness and increased warmth of the skin over the affected area
Standing up, stretching, walking regularly, and staying well hydrated can help maintain healthy blood circulation and reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, especially during long periods of study, work, gaming, or screen use.
Also read: “Coke with condensed milk” — M’sian Man Loses Both Legs After Consuming Excessive Sugar Daily
