A new study shows Mobile phone calls are linked with an increased risk of high blood pressure

 

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Mobile phone calls are linked with an increased risk of high blood pressure

A new study shows Mobile phone calls are linked with an increased risk of high blood pressure. According to a recent study published in European Heart Journal – Digital Health, which is associated with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), researchers have discovered that engaging in mobile phone conversations for 30 minutes or more per week can be linked to a 12% increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Compared to individuals who talk for less than 30 minutes.

According to Professor Xianhui Qin from Southern Medical University in Guangzhou

According to Professor Xianhui Qin from Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, a recent study has highlighted the importance of the duration of mobile phone usage in relation to heart health. The research suggests that longer conversations on mobile phones are associated with increased risks. Interestingly, the study did not find any significant correlation between the number of years of phone use or the utilization of hands-free sets and the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. 

According to reports, approximately 72% of individuals aged 10 years and older worldwide possess a mobile phone. Additionally, there are roughly 1.3 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 who suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension, globally. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and premature death, making it a major health concern. Mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) energy in small amounts, indicating a potential association between exposure to increased levels of blood pressure. Previous research investigating the correlation between mobile phone use and blood pressure yielded inconclusive results, possibly due to the inclusion of various factors such as calls, texts, gaming, and other activities.

The objective of this research was to examine the mobile phone and high blood pressure

The objective of this research was to examine the association between hypertension development and the act of making or receiving phone calls. The study employed data from the UK Biobank and involved a total of 212,046 participants between the ages of 37 and 73 years who did not have hypertension at the beginning of the study. A self-reported touchscreen questionnaire was used to collect information on mobile phone usage for calls, including the number of years of usage, the weekly duration of phone calls, and the utilization of hands-free devices or speakerphones. 

The study comprised individuals with an average age of 54 years, with women accounting for 62% of the sample. Among the participants, 88% reported using mobile phones. During a median follow-up period of 12 years, 13,984 individuals (7% of the total sample) developed hypertension. Furthermore, participants who spent 30 minutes or more per week engaged in mobile phone calls had a 12% higher likelihood of developing hypertension in comparison to those who spent less than 30 minutes on phone calls. Notably, this finding remained consistent for both men and women.

Low genetic risk who spent less than 30 minutes per week on their phones

Apart from examining the association between mobile phone usage and the onset of hypertension, the researchers also explored whether the relationship varied based on participants' genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. The study authors utilized data from the UK Biobank to assess the genetic risk levels of the participants. The analysis revealed that individuals with a high genetic risk of developing hypertension were at the highest risk of developing high blood pressure if they spent at least 30 minutes per week on their mobile phones. Specifically, those with a high genetic risk who spent 30 minutes or more on their phones had a 33% greater likelihood of developing hypertension compared to those with a low genetic risk who spent less than 30 minutes per week on their phones.

As per Professor Qin's findings, the study indicates that there might not be an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure linked to mobile phone conversations, as long as the weekly call duration remains below 30 minutes. However, the professor emphasized the necessity for additional research to validate these results. In the interim, it is advisable to limit mobile phone usage as a precautionary measure for maintaining heart health.