In today’s social media era, people spend many hours a day on phones and laptops. But now a new study has warned that excessive screen time can prove dangerous for the youth. This is affecting the heart and the risk of heart diseases is increasing. Research says that screen time of more than 6 hours a day can cause diseases like high BP, cholesterol and obesity.
This data has been presented in the Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology. 382 youth aged between 18 to 40 years were included in this research. Research found that more than 6 hours screen time Blood pressure was up to 17.9 mmHg higher in people with less screen time. At the same time, bad cholesterol was about 28.5 mg/dL and BMI also increased to 2.9. Research has made it clear that due to excessive screen time, a person remains sitting at one place for a long time. It causes obesity. This increases cholesterol. There is a problem of high BP. Which causes heart disease.
Nicotine is also being used more
Lead researcher of the study, Zain Islam said that excess screen time has now become a habit. People use phones for hours even without doing any work. Which is increasing the risk of heart related diseases. Research also revealed that nicotine use was found to be double in people who had more screen time. This means that excessive screen time is harming your health in many ways.
These people are more at risk
Research has shown that people who spend more than 6 hours of screen time are at risk of heart diseases, but those who spend more than just screen time and do not do physical exercise are at the highest risk. Research has said that it is important to exercise at least 4 days a week, but people who are not exercising have the highest risk of high BP and cholesterol.
Need to focus on digital wellness
Experts say that now doctors should also check the screen time while examining the patients. People who have excessive screen time need to be advised to reduce it.