A recent study discovered that frequent mobile phone use is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. With smartphones becoming a permanent part of our lives, it’s crucial to understand their effects on our health.
The goal of the study was to evaluate the potential link between frequent mobile phone use and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, while also exploring the influence of sleep and mental health. Currently, much of the research focuses on how social media apps or chat platforms influence mental health, rather than examining the direct impact of cellular technology.
To conduct their study, the researchers analyzed data from 444,027 individuals enrolled in the UK Biobank. Participants provided self-reported information on the amount of time they spent on phone calls. The researchers categorized regular phone users as those making or receiving at least one call per week, a group that included over 85% of participants. The remaining individuals were classified as non-regular users.
The study found that as the time spent making phone calls each week increased, so did the risk of a cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or heart failure. Individuals who used their mobile phones regularly faced a significant 21% greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who used their phones less frequently.
The researchers noted that the association between phone usage and cardiovascular disease risk was most significant in smokers and individuals with diabetes. This indicates that RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones, combined with smoking and diabetes, may have a stronger impact on increasing the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
The findings suggest that sleep patterns, psychological distress, and neuroticism could be key factors linking mobile phone use to cardiovascular diseases. Disrupted sleep and poor mental health may negatively contribute to the onset of cardiovascular conditions. They suggested that extended phone use could raise stress and anxiety levels, which in turn might lead to elevated blood pressure and increased inflammation, both known contributors to cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, the study has several limitations, and further research is necessary to draw more definitive conclusions.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Regular Mobile Phone Use and Incident Cardiovascular Diseases: Mediating Effects of Sleep Patterns, Psychological Distress, and Neuroticism
