University of Minnesota Pediatric Cardiologist Says Digital Dopamine Isn’t Good for Kids’ Hearts

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Spending too much time on a smartphone or iPad is a bad habit health researchers are paying more attention to. For youth, there is fresh evidence about poor heart health later in life and Minnesota experts recognize the concerns.

A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed increased time on digital devices or watching TV among children and young adults is linked to risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Dr. Jamie Lohr, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Minnesota, said the findings align with her research into childhood obesity. She pointed out kids do not suddenly shake off the effects when they become adults, adding good habits take hold at younger ages.

“These are the times that we form habits for daily exercise for healthy eating,” Lohr explained. “There’s no doubt from the research that these patterns of screen use in childhood impact you lifelong.”