Effect Of Internet and Video Games On Blood Pressure Parameters In Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background Hypertension is an increasing and important health problem among children and adolescents. It is already known that sedentary behaviors are associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, obesity and increased blood pressure. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of internet addiction and video games on ambulatory blood pressure parameters. Methods Children aged between 12 and 18 years old who were referred to our pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic for evaluation of hypertension were included Demographic data and clinical and laboratory findings were obtained from hospital records. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed to confirm the presence of hypertension. Young Internet Addiction Scale and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale scores were compared with ABPM parameters. Results Of the 107 patients included in our study, 40 were girls and 67 were boys. The mean age was 14.9 ± 1.8 years. According to ABPM measurements, 43 (40.2%) of 107 patients were normotensive, 24 (22.4%) were prehypertensive, and 40 (37.4%) were hypertensive. We detected that although it did not reach statistical significance, as the test scores increased, the overall mean systolic blood pressure also increased. As Young's Internet Addiction test score increased, the maximum daytime systolic blood pressure and mean daytime systolic blood pressure increased. Conclusion Video game playing and increased time spent on the Internet may also lead to the development of hypertension independent of obesity. Therefore, we think that problematic internet use and video game playing disorders should be evaluated when investigating hypertensive children and adolescents.