In the tech-savvy world that we live in, it seems like a privilege to have everything under control and right at our fingertips. It has not only become a means to help humans but has also become a means of survival. People are fond of their mobile phones, so much so that they spend hours staring at their screen without realising the harm it is causing their bodies.
With all tasks getting done at your fingertips, mobility in young children and young adults has minimised. They seem more interested in scrolling reels than reading a book or getting a walk done. This sedentary lifestyle is leading to individuals developing diseases that a young age. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other diseases are linked to overusage of phone. Let’s understand how.
How prolonged scrolling can cause high blood pressure?
Prolonged phone scrolling can indirectly contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure through several interconnected factors. One significant issue is that it encourages a sedentary lifestyle. Spending long hours sitting or lying down while focused on a screen means less time is spent engaging in physical activity.
Regular movement is essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and prolonged inactivity can lead to weight gain and poor circulation, both of which are risk factors for hypertension.
Additionally, phone use, particularly on social media or while consuming negative content, can increase stress levels. Constant exposure to information overload, comparisons with others, or distressing news can trigger a stress response in the body. Stress causes the release of hormones like cortisol, which, when elevated over time, can lead to increased blood pressure.
According to the National Institues Of Health, Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that increases the risk of heart disease. A 1998 German study found a link between mobile phone usage and higher resting blood pressure. Experts have suggested that radiation from mobile phones might influence parts of the brain or receptors in the neck that regulate blood pressure.
The study also suggested that exposure to radiofrequency radiation might lower blood pressure and heart rate and that low-dose electromagnetic field therapy could help manage hypertension and chest pain.
According to BMC Public Health, Watching short videos before sleeping can stimulate the body’s “fight or flight” response, known as sympathetic arousal. This reaction may explain why watching videos before bedtime could contribute to higher blood pressure levels.
Prolonged phone scrolling may seem like a harmless habit, but its indirect effects can significantly contribute to the risk of high blood pressure. Sedentary behavior, stress from constant digital engagement, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns all play a role in impacting cardiovascular health over time.
By being mindful of screen time, incorporating regular physical activity, practicing stress management, and ensuring quality sleep, individuals can mitigate these risks and promote overall well-being
