Children and young adults who spend excessive hours on electronic devices or watching TV may face higher risks for cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance, according to new research. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from over 1,000 participants in Denmark, finding a significant association between increased recreational screen time and higher cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risks.
The research underscores the potential long-term health implications of screen habits, particularly among youth who sleep fewer hours. The study's lead author, David Horner, M.D., PhD., emphasized the importance of balanced daily routines, suggesting that limiting discretionary screen time in childhood and adolescence could protect heart and metabolic health.
Further analysis revealed that each additional hour of screen time increased the cardiometabolic risk score, with the effect more pronounced in adolescents. The study also found that shorter sleep duration and later sleep timing intensified the relationship between screen time and cardiometabolic risk, indicating that insufficient sleep may be a key pathway linking screen habits to early metabolic changes.
Amanda Marma Perak, M.D., M.S.CI., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association’s Young Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Committee, advised focusing on sleep as a starting point for changing screen time patterns. She also highlighted the role of adults in modeling healthy screen use and guiding young people towards balanced habits.
This observational study adds to the growing body of evidence on the health impacts of screen time, calling for further research into strategies to mitigate these risks. The findings suggest that addressing screen habits early could be a crucial step in safeguarding the cardiometabolic health of future generations.
