Using a cell phone for at least one call per week increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially among smokers and people with diabetes, according to a new UK Biobank analysis.
The study aimed to explore the link between regular cell phone use and CVD, while also examining the mediating effects of sleep and mental health.
The analysis included 444,027 participants without a history of CVD (average age: 56 years; 44% men). Of these, 378,161 were regular cell phone users, defined as making at least one call per week.
The main outcome was the occurrence of CVD, while secondary outcomes included different types of heart disease (e.g., coronary heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure), as well as increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).
Regular cell phone users were younger, more likely to be smokers and live in urban areas, but had lower rates of hypertension and diabetes compared to non-users. They also had higher income, BMI, and lower education levels.
The association was stronger among smokers and those with diabetes. Sleep, psychological stress, and neuroticism partially mediated the relationship between cell phone use and CVD risk.
Clinicians should encourage patients to practice healthy habits around their screen time. This could include limiting mobile phone use before bedtime and taking regular breaks to engage in activities that promote heart health, such as exercising or spending time outdoors.
Healthcare providers should motivate patients to adopt healthier screen time habits. This may involve reducing mobile phone use before bed and taking frequent breaks to engage in heart-healthy activities, like exercising or spending time outside.
