Internet Use And High Blood Pressure: Is There A Link?

Of course, most of us love going online from time to time--whether it's scrolling through Facebook, checking out the latest info on our favorite sports team or buying a trinket on Etsy. But whatever the reason, too much time on the web can be dangerous--not just from squinting in front of a screen, but from an increased risk of high blood pressure.

New findings published in The Journal of School Nursing found that out of 134 teens who classified themselves as heavy Internet users at 14 hours a day online or more, 26 showed elevated blood pressure levels.

"Using the Internet is part of our daily life but it shouldn't consume us," Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, lead author of the study, said in a statement. "It's important that young people take regular breaks from their computer or smartphone, and engage in some form of physical activity."

In this recent study, researchers grouped together data from 335 students between the ages of 14 to 17 who underwent a physical exam, a blood pressure screening and a 55-part survey on Internet use the week before a physical exam. The survey included questions on how teens spent their time on the Internet, the number of web addresses they owned and what they used the Internet for.

Researchers defined Internet use as visiting websites, doing homework, playing games, instant messaging, shopping, downloading software and creating or maintaining webpages, with some heavy Internet users online for an average of 25 hours a week.

The study results may be particularly helpful for school nurses in monitoring students' health. She recommends that parents also try and limit their child's time on the Internet at home to about two hours a day, five days a week.

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