Dr. Purohit: Rising screentime and frequent ordering online unhealthy meals are….

New Delhi/Raipur: Screen time is no longer just a concern for eye strain or mental fatigue, it has become a significant factor in cardiovascular health risks.
Rising screen time and  frequent ordering online unhealthy meals are linked to rising heart attacks said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Executive Member of the Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Raising concern on this issue in a release here after delivering a key note at a webinar organised by the Raipur based All India Institute of Medical Sciences on the eve of World Heart Day, renowned Preventive Cardiology Expert Dr Purohit averred that in today’s digital age there is a growing trend in increasing screen time, with individuals spending an average of 8 to 10 hours daily on mobile devices, laptops, and TVs. This prolonged screen exposure is now being linked to rising heart attack cases, especially among young adults. Also more people are regularly ordering unhealthy, calorie-dense meals like pizzas and burgers from online platforms. While convenient, this trend is raising concerns about the frequent reuse of cooking oils in restaurants, which increases cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease.

“India now leads the world in the number of food delivery orders, further highlighting this worrisome trend.” he added.

“Indians are experiencing heart attacks as early as 35 years old, a decade earlier than in countries like the USA, where the average age is 45. The combination of sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and stress is contributing to a surge in cardiovascular issues among younger generations.” noted medic said.

“Another emerging trend is the growing lack of physical activity among individuals, with many prioritizing work and leisure screen time over exercise. Regular physical activity, such as walking for 45 minutes, five days a week, is essential for heart health. However, sedentary routines are becoming the norm, contributing to the increased incidence of heart attacks in younger age groups. ” he added.
Advisor- National Mental Health Programme revealed that mental stress and sleep deprivation are increasingly being recognized as major contributors to heart disease. As the demands of modern life intensify, both professionally and personally, more people are suffering from chronic stress and sleep disorders, which are directly linked to cardiovascular health risks. A minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial for maintaining heart health, but this is often neglected.
He emphasised that there is an urgent need for lifestyle changes, including reduced screen time, healthier food choices, regular exercise, and better sleep hygiene, to combat the growing risks of heart disease, particularly among the younger population.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.    He’s  the Principle Investigator – Association of Studies In Behavioural Science),                 Dr. Purohit is also Advisor-National Mental Health Program .