
I always see technology as a blessing and a curse.
For example, ever since cell phones were invented, those of us in the scientific community have been trying to pinpoint any health risks they may pose.
Sure, they help us to stay connected and offer many conveniences…
But at what cost?
One call away
Many studies are looking into the impact of cell phone use on our health.
So far, the findings are only associations—meaning we can’t prove cause and effect.
But this new association is something worth discussing…
According to a new U.K. Biobank analysis, one weekly call on your cell phone could contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially among smokers and diabetic patients.
(Who doesn’t take a least one phone call per week? Yikes!)
Researchers analyzed data from over 444,000 participants without a history of CVD. From that selection, just over 378,160 used their cell phones regularly. (“Regular” use was defined by having at least one phone call each week.)
Participants were followed for 12 years. The primary outcome was incident CVD. And secondary outcomes included components of CVD, like stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Researchers also looked for the narrowing of carotid arteries.
Ultimately, researchers concluded that using a cell phone at least once a week (hands-free or not) resulted in a:
- 4 percent increased risk for incident CVD
- 11 percent increased risk for narrowing of the carotid arteries
(I wonder if that’s because the carotid artery is one of the main arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the brain?)
And while those percentage points might not seem alarming, let me remind you that CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide. So, any increase in risk is cause for concern.
It’s suspected that poor sleep patterns and psychological distress could be the primary drivers behind these heart risks.
It’s further speculated that using a cell phone disrupts your body’s natural wake-sleep clock (circadian rhythm), interferes with basic endocrine and metabolic functions, and increases inflammation (the root cause of disease).
Build healthy boundaries
It’s very difficult to tease out these associations. Especially when it comes to technological devices.
Think about it…
People use cell phones regularly. But they also use tablets, televisions, and the like. (How do those fit into the picture?)
Or—maybe it isn’t the devices at all. Perhaps it’s the behaviors those devices are replacing!
See, instead of spending time doing health-conscious activities—like exercising, cooking a healthy meal, or spending time outdoors…
People have become more and more sedentary. (Plus, I’ve already warned about the risks of daily doom scrolling on your mental health.)
So, until we know more, here’s where I stand: Focus on building healthy boundaries around your device use. Then, re-focus on healthy habits—like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and prioritizing sleep.
And if you want more detailed tips for how to better protect your heart against CVD, I encourage you to check out my Ultimate Heart-Health Protocol. Click here now!
Source:
“Cell Phone Use Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk.” MDedge, 09/06/24. (mdedge.com/cardiology/article/270667/acute-coronary-syndromes/cell-phone-use-linked-higher-heart-disease-risk)