You’ve undoubtedly heard the ongoing debate about whether cellphone radiation is linked to cancer. Opinions abound on this controversial topic, but did you know there is now definitive proof that using a cellphone can dangerously impact another aspect of your health – and it could be just as deadly?
Researchers from the Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza, Italy, have discovered that talking on a cellphone can significantly increase your blood pressure. The study showed, on average, cellphone calls caused an increase in blood pressure from 121/77 to 129/82. It’s crucial to understand the implications of this finding and learn how to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged cellphone use.
Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers
First and foremost, it’s essential to comprehend what blood pressure readings signify. A blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Systolic represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Generally, a normal blood pressure reading is considered to be around 120/80.
The study found that the increases in systolic blood pressure were less pronounced in people who make more than 30 calls a day. Giuseppe Crippa, one of the researchers, suggests two possible reasons for this. One possibility is that younger individuals, who are more accustomed to using their phones frequently, may be less prone to being disturbed by telephone intrusions. The other possibility is that those who make more than 30 calls per day may feel more reassured when their phone is activated, as they aren’t running the risk of missing an opportunity.
It’s important to note that research has shown that every increase of approximately 20 mg in systolic blood pressure doubles your chances of dying from heart disease.
The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, leading it to be dubbed “the silent killer.” When left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health issues over time, including:
- Heart disease: High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder, which can lead to heart failure, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythm.
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Kidney damage: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney failure or even kidney scarring.
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Stroke: High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke by causing blood clots or disrupting blood flow to your brain.
Reducing the Risks Associated with Cellphone Use
Now that you know the potential dangers of increased blood pressure from cellphone use let’s discuss some tips for reducing these risks:
- Limit your cellphone conversations: Whenever possible, try to go for shorter phone calls, or better yet, choose text messaging or face-to-face communication over phone calls.
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Use speakerphone or earphones: When talking on your cellphone, opt for using the speakerphone feature or earphones to minimize the direct impact on your blood pressure.
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Keep your phone away from your body: Don’t carry your cellphone in your pocket or hold it close to your body. Instead, use a purse, backpack, or any other type of carrying case.
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Reduce stress: Stress is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Keep your blood pressure in check by maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep.
In conclusion, while there’s still ongoing debate about the link between cellphone radiation and cancer, this study proves that excessive cellphone use can significantly increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a silent killer, and ignoring this fact may lead to severe health problems or even death. To reduce the risks associated with prolonged cellphone use, limit your phone conversations, use speakerphone or earphones, keep your phone away from your body, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your health, but you’ll also enjoy a higher quality of life.
