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Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Heart Palpitations and Lifestyle Habits Among Jordanian School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hamzeh Almomani1, Abedulrhman S Abdelfattah1, Salma Burayzat1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan.
Introduction:
Palpitations, although often benign, can be distressing to adolescents and occasionally indicate underlying cardiac disease. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, caffeine, energy drinks, and screen time are potential contributors, but their impact hasn't been studied in Jordan.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 779 Jordanian schoolchildren aged 12-18 years using a structured questionnaire assessing palpitations and lifestyle habits. Associations were analysed with chi-square tests and t-tests.
Results:
Palpitations were reported by 43% of participants and were more common in females. Significant associations were observed with gender (p < .001), sleep duration and timing (both p < .001), caffeine (p = .014), energy drink consumption (p = .005), internet use (P < .001), and video gaming (p = .005). No associations were found with smoking-related factors.
Conclusion:
Palpitations in Jordanian adolescents were associated with modifiable behaviours. Interventions addressing sleep, stimulant, and screen time use may reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
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