Recent research has highlighted a concerning link between mobile phone usage for calls and an increased risk of hypertension. Here are the key findings:
Increased Risk of Hypertension
- Study Overview: A study published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health analyzed data from 212,046 adults aged 37 to 73 years from the UK Biobank. It found that talking on a mobile phone for 30 minutes or more per week is associated with a 12% increased risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who talk for less than 30 minutes weekly.
- Usage Correlation: The risk escalates with increased usage:
- 30-59 minutes: 8% increased risk
- 1-3 hours: 13% increased risk
- 4-6 hours: 16% increased risk
- More than 6 hours: 25% increased risk.
- Genetic Factors: The study also considered genetic predisposition to hypertension. Individuals with a high genetic risk who used their phones for at least 30 minutes weekly exhibited a 33% higher likelihood of hypertension compared to those with low genetic risk who limited their calls.
Implications for Mobile Phone Use
The research suggests that it is the duration of calls, rather than the length of time a person has used a mobile phone, that impacts blood pressure. Notably, using hands-free devices did not significantly alter the risk of developing hypertension.
Recommendations
The lead author, Professor Xianhui Qin, advises that keeping mobile phone call time below 30 minutes per week may help mitigate the risk of high blood pressure. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring mobile phone usage as part of maintaining cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
As mobile phone usage continues to rise globally, understanding its potential health impacts is crucial. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that excessive mobile phone use may have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, particularly concerning hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
