Every minute spent using a cell phone each week was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a new study by Chinese researchers suggests.
This increased risk was particularly significant among smokers and diabetics.
“This is a subject that will continue to be talked about in the coming years because people will be interested in it.commented Dr. François Simard of the Montreal Heart Institute. We don’t have a lot of data, but I think there will be more and more formal associations found between cell phone use and our cardiovascular risk.»
The study authors analyzed data from some 450,000 adults who recorded the time they spent using cell phones each week between 2006 and 2010.
After more than a decade of follow-up, researchers conclude that those who regularly use their mobile phones are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
“Our study demonstrated that mobile phone use was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk even after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and physical inactivity, indicating that this association is independent of these cardiovascular risk factors.”“, we can read in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
No significant differences were found between men and women.
The mechanisms that explain this association remain to be clarified. However, it is believed that cell phone use could cause poorer quality sleep or psychological stress, which could then disrupt the circadian rhythm or be a Source of inflammation.
“It is known that less than optimal sleep hygiene, anxiety and stress are clear risk factors for coronary heart disease, said Dr. Simard. We sometimes underestimate them a little in our North American lifestyle, because we think we have no choice, but they are part of the risk factors.»
It can also be assumed that every minute spent using a mobile phone is a minute not spent doing cardiovascular-healthy activities, such as exercise or meditation.
“There are only 24 hours in a day, and time spent on one activity is not spent on another,” recalled Dr. Simard.
It is also not impossible that chronic exposure to cell phone radiation is a Source of oxidative stress and inflammation, the study authors warn.
They also point out that the association was seen with the frequency of cell phone use, rather than the total duration of use.
Dr. Simard finally points out that the authors of the study only counted the number of minutes spent on phone calls each week, even though we know very well that this is not at all the only use that people make of their device.
“Honestly, I’m left a little hungry, he said. There are so many other things we want to know! I think we’re going to hear about them in the coming years because cell phone use is certainly not going away...»
Jean-Benoit Legault, The Canadian Press
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