The concerning association between regular mobile phone users and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
A study revealed this correlation, conducted by researchers from Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, the study shows the potential health impacts of universal mobile phone use in today’s society.
The study, led by Dr. Yanjun Zhang and his team, analysed data from the UK Biobank, involving over 440,000 participants who were initially free of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular use of mobile phones link to cardiovascular disease
Participants reported their frequency of mobile phone use between 2006 and 2010, with “regular use” defined as at least one call per week. Over a median follow-up period of 12.3 years, researchers tracked incidences of stroke, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure through hospital and mortality records.
Key findings indicated that compared to non-regular users, individuals who reported regular mobile phone use faced a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This association was particularly pronounced in current smokers and those with diabetes, suggesting potential synergistic effects between mobile phone radiation and these risk factors.
Dr. Ziliang Ye highlighted, “We aimed to assess the prospective association of regular mobile phone use with incident cardiovascular diseases and explore the mediating effects of sleep and mental health. We found that compared with non-regular mobile phone users, regular mobile phone users had a significantly higher risk of incident cardiovascular diseases.”
Factors such as disrupted sleep patterns, psychological distress, and neuroticism were identified as potential mediators linking mobile phone use to cardiovascular health.
How safe are our smartphones?
Chronic exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phones may disrupt hormonal balance, promote inflammation, and induce oxidative stress, all of which contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Xianhui Qin noted, “A poor sleep pattern and poor mental health may adversely affect the development of cardiovascular diseases through disrupted circadian rhythm, endocrine and metabolic disruption, and increased inflammation.”
However, the study’s recruitment period, spanning from 2006 to 2010, predates the widespread adoption of modern smartphones for diverse activities outside calling.
Nicholas Grubic, co-author of an accompanying editorial from the University of Toronto, cautioned, “While the current study suggests that using a mobile phone may moderately increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, more conclusive evidence with valid measurements of mobile phone use is needed before this association becomes a concern for the general public.”
