RCIS

Abstract:

Today computers are ubiquitous, and both our working and leisure hours are increasingly being spent in sedentary fashion online. Lack of physical activity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but few studies examine the link between computer use and health. The European Social Science survey questions as to daily internet use, allowing study of the association with cardiovascular problems. Mean daily internet use was compared between those with self-reported heart and circulation problems and high blood pressure and those without. The nature of the relationship was studied with Generalized Additive Modelling (GAM). There was no difference in mean internet use between those with high blood pressure or heart problems and those without. GAM showed the association between internet use and heart problems alters with age; risk was raised in younger ages, but lower when older. BMI was found to be important in mediating the influence of internet use in the young. Socio-economic factors mediated the age effect. The influence of BMI for young ages suggests a link with weight, activity and diet. For older people, the influence of socio-economic factors suggests that the social and cognitive benefits of internet use may offer protection. There may be a link with higher health literacy and thus better heart health. Internet use should be considered a causative risk factor of itself.

Keywords:

cardiovascular disease; physical activity; internet use; social media; lifestyle.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33788/rcis.93.12

Download: Internet Use and Circulatory Health: Internet Use Is Associated with Raised Risk in the Young, but Lowered in the Elderly