Alert: Mobile Phone Usage Linked to a 12% Higher Risk of Developing Hypertension!

 

Talking over the phone for more than 30 minutes is nothing unusual today, isn’t it? But have you ever wondered what impact will radiofrequency radiation (RF) released from mobiles have on your body? 

A recent study published in European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that talking over the phone for more than 30 minutes per week increases the risk of hypertension by 12%. This recent publication has created a buzz over the usage of mobile phones.

In this regard, Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai, a consultant gynaecologist at the Lilavati, Mumbai, not involved in the study shared very views about this study on DocTube™,

“We should really take care how much of mobile phone we use. We should discourage young people, maybe even pregnant women for chatting on the phone for too long. Maybe the radio frequency waves, which emanate from the mobile phones are responsible for this.”

Well, carrying a smartphone is undoubtedly a smart decision owing to its benefits, but counting the minutes you spend on it is the need of the hour!

As per the data released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India has more than 1.2 billion mobile phone users and over 600 million smartphone users. On the other hand, the nationwide survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Centre for Disease Informatics & Research (NCDIR) reported that 28.5% of adults in India have developed hypertension. These data are quite alarming and demand attention as people can be protected from becoming victims of hypertension. For this, it is also necessary that people must be aware of the condition and various aspects related to it. 

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure inside the blood vessels is much higher than normal, that is more than 140/90 mmHg. It is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like aneurysms, heart attacks, heart failure and stroke. Thus, blood pressure must be managed effectively to protect people from developing hypertension and other co-morbid conditions.

• Symptoms experienced by an individual on developing hypertension 
• No prominent symptoms are experienced by a hypertensive individual. However, in some instances, they may face symptoms like:
• Severe headaches
• Chest pain
• Dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Blurred vision or other vision changes
• Anxiety 
• Confusion 
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleeds 
• Abnormal heart rhythm

How to know if you are at risk of developing hypertension?

Any person can be at risk of developing hypertension. However, some people are at higher risk because of the prevalence of certain modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. 

Non-modifiable risk factors: the presence of these factors makes a person several-fold more prone to developing hypertension. These include family history, co-existing health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes and age (more than 65 years). For people who are exposed to either of the mentioned non-modifiable factors are highly vulnerable to developing hypertension as there is no way to avoid them.  

Modifiable risk factors: These risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet coupled with consumption of excessive amounts of salt, saturated and trans fats along with low intake of fruits and vegetables. Apart from this, studies have also found a correlation between the consumption of alcohol and tobacco with the development of hypertension. Additionally, obesity is a major risk factor contributing to the increasing incidence of hypertension. Last but not least, as per the findings of the above-mentioned study spending too much time over the phone has been associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension.

These modifiable risk factors are definitely under the control of an individual. Thus, just by making smart and wise decisions, it will be possible to prevent yourself from developing hypertension.

How is hypertension detected?

Early diagnosis of high blood pressure is often not possible as most people do not experience any symptoms while developing hypertension. Henceforth, the only way to detect it is by getting it checked regularly. Most times, it is observed that in the course of getting diagnosed for some other diseases, people come to know about being hypertensive. Thus, people who are at risk of developing hypertension must get regular checkups to get treated for the condition at the earliest stage. 

Tips to consider while preparing for a blood pressure test to get the accurate results

• Restrain yourself from exercising, drinking coffee, or smoking cigarettes 30 minutes before the test.
• Use the bathroom before the test.
• Sit in a chair and relax for at least 5 minutes before the test
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Do not talk while relaxing or during the test.
• Uncover your arm for the cuff.
• Rest your arm on a table so that it is well supported and must be kept at the level of the heart.
• If you are measuring blood pressure for the first time then, you may have readings taken on both arms.

How is hypertension treated and managed?

Even the slightest indication of developing hypertension is enough to let an individual visit a physician to get it treated so that it could be prevented from becoming severe. To treat the condition, doctors prescribe medicines that belong to medication classes like 

• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) 
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers

Irrespective of the medicine prescribed, the ones who have already developed high blood pressure and the ones who are at risk of developing hypertension must follow certain tips to manage it. Remember, it’s your health, if you do not take pro-active art in managing it then no one will be able to help you! Thus, some of the crucial tips that help in managing high blood pressure condition are as follows:

These simple changes can definitely help you to trounce the silent killer, ‘hypertension’. Remember, developing hypertension is very painless and effortless, but managing it is not. So, the choice is yours whether you want to become its next victim or have a medicine-free life. Do share your thoughts. 

References: 

1. Ye, Z., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., Yang, S., Liu, M., Wu, Q., Zhou, C., He, P., Gan, X. and Qin, X., 2023. Mobile phone calls, genetic susceptibility, and new-onset hypertension: results from 212 046 UK Biobank participants. European Heart Journal-Digital Health, p.ztad024.
2. Anand, S., 2022. India has over 1.2 billion mobile phone users: I&B Secretary (2022). Available at: Click here (Accessed: 19 May 2023).
3. Indian Express, 2022. Nationwide survey finds 28.5 per cent adults in India hypertensive (2022). Available at: Click here (Accessed: 19 May 2023).
4. NHS, 2017. High blood pressure (hypertension) - Treatment. Available at: Click here (Accessed: 22 May 2023).