Technology’s impact on heart health: Welcome back to “The Science Of Health”, ABP Live’s weekly health column. Last week, we discussed the role played by technology in improving the accessibility and affordability of rural healthcare in India. This week, we explain how technology impacts heart health, and how the use of everyday electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, earpods and smartwatches increases one’s susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.
In today’s world, everyone uses mobile phones, which is one of the primary reasons why the reports of headaches, numbness in the thighs, dizziness, and heaviness in the chest have increased.
Check ABP Live’s stories explaining the science behind various health phenomena, and the articles appearing in the weekly health column here.
How the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices negatively affects heart health
The use of mobile phones makes one prone to heart diseases because they rapidly release high-frequency electromagnetic fields, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Mobile phone use has a neurological impact on humans, and affects the heart rate, which is modulated by the autonomic nervous system, according to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). When one keeps mobile phones near their chest, there is an increase in heart rate variability.
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Electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones increases free radicals, which are reactive oxygen species. These free radicals damage cells, and also DNA.
The use of mobile phones can also increase blood cholesterol levels.
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According to the European Society of Cardiology, talking on the phone for 30 minutes or more every week is associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of high blood pressure, compared to talking on the phone for less than 30 minutes. This finding was published in a study in the European Heart Journal — Digital Health.
Similarly, the blue light emitted from the screens of everyday electronic gadgets interferes with one’s sleep cycle. The greater use and dependence on electronics has reduced physical activity levels and made people more inclined towards sedentary lifestyles.
“The ubiquitous use of everyday gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, and electronic devices has brought convenience to our lives, but it also raises concerns for heart health. Prolonged screen time leads to sedentary lifestyles, reducing physical activity levels and contributing to obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease. Moreover, excessive screen exposure can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality, which is associated with heart problems. The blue light emitted from screens may also interfere with circadian rhythms, impacting overall health. Hence, striking a balance between screen use and physical activity is crucial for a healthier heart,” Prof (Dr) M. Wali, a Padma Shri Awardee and Senior Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told ABP Live.
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Not only does the use of mobile phones and other gadgets increase one’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but also leads to musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, and mental health problems, which indirectly affect heart health. The use of gadgets also leads to heart arrhythmia, and can cause indigestion problems.
“Billions of people use internet devices around the world and among the devices, mobile is the most user-friendly device. There are many positive aspects of technology like staying connected but there are some potential health risks as well which everyone should consider while using mobile phones. Other than musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, disturbed sleep, physical inactivity, psychological issues, and negative effects on kids’ mobile phones also affect our heart health directly or indirectly. Using mobile phones causes stress which results in high blood pressure and heart disease. Even a minuscule amount of radiation released by smartphones affects heart arrhythmia, rise in heartbeat, and rapid heartbeat. There is no study in India that directly links heart health to mobile use however if we use an excess of mobile phones, it will impact our overall health. And since the continuous use of mobile phones impacts our health, it will surely lead to some or the other health issues related to posture, heart, digestion or eye,” Dr Rajnish Sardana, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told ABP Live.
He concluded that gadgets have undoubtedly made everyone’s life easier but at the same time, they have a negative impact on one’s health. “We need to be mindful and careful about how much time we spend on gadgets.”
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