According to the study published on the website of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), researchers found that prolonged inactivity in children can cause heart damage in later life.
According to AA’s report, within the scope of the research, the duration of sitting and inactivity of 766 children aged 11, 15 and 24 years old, with activity monitors, was monitored in one-week periods.
When the participants were 17 and 24 years old, the weight of the left ventricle in their heart was measured with an ultrasound scan called echocardiography.
The researchers compared heart measurements at ages 17 and 24, with time of inactivity at age 11 to 24, after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, blood pressure, body fat percentage, smoking, physical activity, and socioeconomic status that might affect the relationship.
The study examined whether long periods of inactivity in children were associated with an increase in left ventricular weight.
It was noted that the time participants spent sedentary at age 11 increased to around nine hours at age 24.
Researchers found that every minute of inactivity between the ages of 11 and 24 resulted in an increase in left ventricular weight.
Pay attention to the time in front of the screen
From the University of Eastern Finland in Finland and research co-author Dr. Andrew Agbaje, “The time teens spend in front of a screen causes a heavier heart. We know from adult research that a heavy heart increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.” he said.
Agbaje stated that the research in question revealed that the time spent sedentary can be associated with damage to the heart regardless of body weight and blood pressure.
Calling for the long-term health of children and young people, Agbaje advised parents to take walks, limit social media and video game time to keep their children active.
