World Hypertension Day: Can lengthy conversations on cellphone result in hypertension? Consultants clarify

Long conversations with household and associates over cellphone might be elevating your threat of high blood pressure. A latest examine printed in European Heart Journal — Digital Health discovered that speaking for half-hour or extra per week might result in 12 per cent improve in hypertension in comparison with speaking for lower than half-hour. Holding your telephone for an prolonged interval may cause pressure on neck, shoulders or again which can additionally result in hypertension. Staying glued to your cellphone might additionally improve your stress ranges which might in flip elevate blood strain. (Also learn: World Hypertension Day 2023: 5 everyday drinks that can help lower blood pressure)

“In today’s fast-paced world, cellphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, our excessive use of cellphones may be contributing to the rise of a silent killer: high blood pressure. It may seem harmless to spend hours scrolling through social media, but the sedentary lifestyle it promotes can have detrimental effect on our health. Additionally, the blue light emitted by our cellphones can interfere with our natural sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and elevated blood pressure levels. Moreover, stress and anxiety caused by excessive cellphone use can also contribute to hypertension. Poor eating habits and lack of physical activity associated with cellphone addiction can further contribute to high blood pressure. The time spent on mobile phones could be better utilized for exercising, meeting people in person, and engaging in outdoor activities, which undoubtedly have more health benefits. So, while we enjoy the convenience and entertainment offered by our cellphones, let us not forget the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, both for ourselves and for those around us,” says Dr Keshava R, senior director, interventional cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road Bengaluru.

Dr Rakesh Rai Sapra nonetheless doesn’t fully agree with the examine and stated that whether or not or not an individual develop hypertension can even rely on their persona or stress ranges.

ADVISING PEOPLE TO NOT TALK ON CELLPHONE FAR-FETCHED

“There are a number of studies about link between cellphone usage and high blood pressure with very conflicting results. This is logical as there are a number of possible confounding factors to affect the result. Even the mental stress level and type of personality of the person could have an impact. Person who is talking more on telephone could have more issues to talk about and could be more mentally stressed as compared to others who talks merely 5-10 minutes per week on phone. In fact this could also be a reflection of nature or personality of the person. Such and many other factors are very difficult to assess and match. So advising people to talk less on cellphone to prevent development of hypertension seems too far-fetched to me,” says Dr. Rakesh Rai Sapra, Director and Senior Consultant-Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE COUPLED WITH STRESS COULD CAUSE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Dr Saibal Chakravorty, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Metro Hospital and Heart Institute Noida says that sedentary life-style coupled with stress and posture points might play a job in elevating blood strain. He lists the next causes cellphone use might be elevating blood strain in folks.

Sedentary life-style: Using your cellphone for prolonged durations is a major threat issue for hypertension. Sitting or mendacity down for extended durations can lower blood movement, which might trigger your blood strain to extend.

Stress: Excessive cellphone use can result in stress and anxiousness, which might contribute to hypertension. The fixed have to verify messages, notifications, and social media updates may cause a way of urgency and strain, resulting in heightened stress ranges.

Blue gentle: Cellphones emit blue gentle, which might disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and result in insomnia. Lack of sleep can even improve the danger of hypertension and different well being issues.

Physical results: Holding your cellphone for prolonged durations may cause bodily pressure in your neck, shoulders, and again, which might additionally contribute to hypertension. Poor posture and stress in your muscle tissue may cause your blood vessels to constrict, making it tougher for blood to movement by way of your physique.

Unhealthy habits: Lastly, extreme cellphone use can result in unhealthy habits reminiscent of skipping meals, snacking on junk meals, and neglecting bodily train. These behaviours can all contribute to hypertension and different well being issues.

“Overall, it is important to limit your cellphone use and take breaks frequently to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of high blood pressure,” concludes Dr Chakravorty.