Cardiologists explains how screen time affects your heart health

Excessive screen time, stress, and sedentary habits may silently raise the risk of heart disease — here’s what cardiologists recommend to stay safe. (Image: Pexels)

There is no divorcing technology from contemporary life. From morning buzzes on smartphones to late-night streaming, digital devices are ubiquitous in day-to-day life. They have both transformed the way we work, communicate and chill out, but their ubiquity has also brought with it an insidious and increasingly recognised health risk – digital overload.

Too much time spent in front of screens often means prolonged periods of sitting. The prolonged state of sitting for hours in front of the computer, TV or cell phone limits our mobility and reduces blood flow and increases our risk of gaining weight and suffering from hypertension. Computer users who spend four or more hours a day on digital screens are believed to have elevated risk of developing cardiovascular issues, according to researchers.

Also Read: Cardiologist explains how high blood pressure fuels coronary heart disease

As per Dr Killol Kaneria, Consultant Cardiologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, digital overload also leads to stress and interferes with the pattern of sleep and eating. The endless notifications, online pressures and overstimulation keep the nervous system on high alert, sending out stress hormones that eventually can lead to intense pressure on the heart. This becomes a vicious cycle when paired with irregular sleep and unhealthy snacking.

It’s important to note the relationship between technology and heart health. Individuals can still take control of their exposure to screens, get and keep moving, and be mindfully at rest – at least when it comes to striking a balance between the digital realm and cardiovascular health.

Inactive Lifestyles Raise Hazards of the Heart

• Human beings sit in front of computers, televisions, and phones, and this decreases their physical activities.
• This results in gain of weight, inability to circulate blood properly and the increased chances of developing hypertension.
• The sedentary lifestyle is currently being called the new smoking due to the negative impact it has on the body and more so the heart.
• According to some researchers, people who spend above 4 hours daily before the digital screens are at risk of heart diseases.

• It has an influence on the body in its capacity to regulate sugar and the breakdown of fat.
• This may result in such diseases as obesity and diabetes.

• There is constant stress brought about by endless notifications, emails and the need to be always online, which is a result of being constantly available.
• Stress causes cortisol and adrenaline hormones to be released and this leads to heart rate and high blood pressure.

• Watching too many episodes till late in the night or reading the disturbing news maintains the nervous system on a high alert.
• Another secondary effect of digital overuse is poor sleep quality that is correlated with the development of hypertension and an increased risk of heart attack.

• The proliferation of digital gadgets usually interferes with the normal eating habits, causing people to eat without thinking and make poor nutrition.
• Binge-watching and snacking, gaming instead of exercising, or scrolling at night, which reduces sleep, all increase risks to cardiovascular issues.Also Read: Symptoms of hidden heart problems: Why chest pain is not the only warning sign

• Make frequent eye pauses: Every 20 minutes have a 20-second eye-break and stare at something 20 feet away.
• Move around: Have walks between meetings or do some simple stretches when watching TV.
• Limit access with devices: Disable unnecessary notifications.
• Do not watch before going to bed.
• Learn to cherish rest and be conscious of eating.

Q: What is digital overload?
A: Digital overload refers to excessive exposure to digital screens, leading to health issues such as stress, poor sleep, and cardiovascular problems.

Q: How does digital overload affect heart health?
A: Excessive screen time can lead to prolonged sitting, reduced physical activity, stress, poor sleep quality, and unhealthy eating habits, all contributing to cardiovascular issues.

Q: What are the symptoms of digital overload?
A: Symptoms include stress, irregular sleep patterns, weight gain, hypertension, and disturbed eating habits.

Q: How can I reduce the impact of digital overload on my heart health?
A: Take regular breaks from screens, stay physically active, limit notifications, avoid screens before bedtime, and practice mindful eating and rest.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.