Too Much Internet Use Can Raise Blood Pressure

A study conducted in the United States has found a link between high blood pressure and internet use. Browsing and corresponding with others on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media outlets has become a regular part of most people’s day. What started out as a way to connect with family and friends and have a little escape from daily pressures, has turned out to be an added stress for some people.

How many times a day do you get angry at a comment posted on your favorite social media outlets? These comments could be from people you don’t even know saying something about politics, movies, television shows, your favorite celebrity or current news headlines.

Respected scientists at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital conducted a study and their findings were surprising. The results showed that out of a total of 134 teenagers who use the internet heavily, 26 of them had elevated blood pressure, which is far higher than the normal rate.

High Blood Pressure and Internet Use

The link between high blood pressure and heavy internet use is adding to research that links heavy internet use with a variety of health problems such as social isolation, depression, obesity and anxiety. Past statistics have reported that when compared to light internet users, 43% of heavy internet users are considered to be overweight. However it is not clear if excessive internet use leads to obesity due to sitting down all day or if those who already live a sedentary lifestyle just spend more time on the internet.

According to Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, the lead author of the study and researcher at Henry Ford’s Department of Public Health Sciences, moderate internet use is key and everyone should take regular breaks from internet use, including the smartphone. Limiting internet use to five days a week for about two hours per day is a good rule to follow.

Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure

Although research was conducted on teenagers, it most-likely has a similar effect on adults. High blood pressure or hypertension is not a laughing matter, it can cause serious health issues if not properly cared for. Long-term hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke and other serious health conditions.

Often teenagers do not realize they have high blood pressure because they generally only have an annual check-up at the doctor. It is recommended that blood pressure should be checked and monitored beginning at the age of 18 or sooner.

Whether you are a teenager or adult, excessive internet use can cause you to lead a sedentary lifestyle and cause you to become emotional when searching social media sites and corresponding with others who make negative comments. The social media craze is here to stay, and while it is beneficial in numerous ways, it also has given many people an anonymous outlet to purposely fuel anger and negatively affect others. Limiting your use of the internet and social media outlets will encourage you to do other things and not constantly be sedentary or at the mercy of others opinions and rude comments.

Treating High Blood Pressure

Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure by your doctor, they will suggest the proper way for you to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Often doctors begin by asking questions about your lifestyle and habits. Eating a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, oats and drinking plenty of water is generally the first change recommended. Exercising 30 minutes per day most days of the week, limiting alcohol and quit smoking are also common changes recommended by doctors.

Some patients have high blood pressure levels that need to be cared for with medication. These medications often have side effects that can interrupt the flow of your day or cause you to limit yourself in activity due to frequent urination, dizziness and lightheadedness. If you experience side effects from hypertension medication you will need to discuss it with your doctor. Don’t stop taking your medication unless your doctor approves. Generally doctors will find a different medication for you to make you more productive and comfortable. High blood pressure patients who take medication should also follow the general rules of eating healthy, exercising and avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Patients who prefer not to experience side effects conduct their own research to find alternative ways to treat hypertension. Natural blood pressure supplements such as PD120 is a popular choice since it helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, is made with natural ingredients and has no side effects. PD120 is the natural and safe way to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and improve energy, strength, motivation and libido.

Always speak to your doctor first before using alternative methods to maintain blood pressure levels. Your doctor will confirm if it is helpful for your specific situation. Also do yourself a favor and limit your internet and social media use to avoid either developing hypertension or adding to your already existing high blood pressure issues.