Researchers from the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou found that talking on the cell phone for 30 minutes or more per week increased the risk of hypertension by 12%. Research published in the journal European Heart Journal.
The scientists used data from more than 212,000 people aged 37 to 73 who did not have hypertension. Information on cell phone use to make and receive calls was collected through a survey.
Participants were followed for an average of 12 years. About 14,000 (7%) developed hypertension. Overall, cell phone users had a 7% higher risk of hypertension than non-users.
Those who talked on their cell phone for 30 minutes or more per week were 12% more likely to develop new high blood pressure than those who made fewer than 30 minutes of phone calls. The results were the same for men and women.
The scientists also took into account other factors: age, obesity, socio-economic status, lifestyle and heredity.
Talking on the phone for more than 6 hours increases the risk of hypertension by 25%.
“Years of using or using loudspeakers did not affect the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. The scientists noted that additional studies are needed to confirm the results.