Screen time in the development of cardiovascular diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are increasing globally.
• Risk factors include lifestyle, aging, obesity, and diabetes.
• The impact of excessive screen time on cardiovascular health is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal link between screen time and cardiovascular diseases using Mendelian randomization.
• To assess the association between screen use duration and CAD, HF, and IHD.

Main Methods:

• A Mendelian randomization (MR) study design was employed.
• Genetic variants (SNPs) associated with screen time served as instrumental variables.
• Associations were analyzed for mobile phone, computer, and TV screen use with CAD, HF, and IHD.

Main Results:

• Mobile phone and TV screen use showed a significant causal association with CAD, HF, and IHD.
• Computer screen use did not demonstrate a significant association with these cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

• Excessive screen time, especially for entertainment, is linked to cardiovascular disease development.
• Controlling entertainment screen time may be a strategy for cardiovascular disease mitigation.