A new study published in the European Heart Journal - Digital Health confirmed that "talking on a mobile phone for 30 minutes or more each week increases the risk of developing high blood pressure." The study indicated that "low levels of radio frequency energy emitted from mobile phones have been linked to high blood pressure."
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1.3 billion adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide suffer from high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, as reported by Health World.
The study's author, Professor Jianhui Qin from Southern Medical University in China, stated, "The number of minutes people spend talking on mobile phones is what matters for health, with more minutes meaning greater risks."
Long periods of phone conversations can also have other side effects on our physical and mental health, which may manifest in several symptoms, including:
- **Muscle Tension:** One of the most common side effects is tension in the neck, shoulders, and arms. Holding the phone for extended periods can strain these muscles, leading to discomfort and persistent headaches.
- **Ear Pain or Eardrum Damage:** This can occur if the phone is too close to the ear or if the volume is too high. Continuous use of earphones or headphones can also cause ear problems such as tinnitus, leading to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
- **Eye Strain:** Looking at the phone screen for prolonged periods inevitably leads to eye strain, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. Extended screen time can also contribute to obesity.
- **Impact on Concentration:** Speaking on the phone while performing other tasks, such as driving or operating machinery, can be distracting and dangerous. This is especially critical while driving, as focus on the road is necessary to avoid accidents.
- **Stress:** Emotionally charged phone conversations can lead to increased stress levels, which can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.
