In a world where watching short videos and reels on social media has become a daily habit for many young and middle-aged individuals, a new study reveals a concerning link to high blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from 4,318 individuals who reported their screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime and underwent medical examinations between January and September 2023.
The study found that increased screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, underscores the health risks linked to this modern habit. The team emphasized the need for “strict control of screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime.”
Additionally, the researchers urged the public to control body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose, and uric acid levels, and to improve lifestyle practices such as reducing high-sodium diets to mitigate the risk of hypertension.
Previous studies have shown that prolonged mobile phone use, defined as 30 minutes or more per week, can also increase the risk of high blood pressure. The European Heart Journal – Digital Health, a publication of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), highlights that even low levels of radiofrequency energy emitted from mobile phones are linked to elevated blood pressure.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1.3 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide have high blood pressure, making it a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, as well as a leading cause of premature death.
