Children’s heart health is often ignored in everyday parenting choices yet early habits can shape lifelong wellbeing. A senior pediatric cardiologist has cautioned parents against one increasingly common lifestyle habit that may silently damage young hearts if left unchecked. Excessive recreational screen time has emerged as a growing concern due to its link with inactivity poor sleep and rising childhood obesity.
According to Dr Vikas Kohli a senior pediatric cardiologist and founder of the Child Heart Foundation prolonged screen exposure including video streaming gaming and endless scrolling can significantly affect a child’s cardiovascular health. While screens may appear harmless they often replace physical activity and interfere with sleep patterns both of which are essential for healthy heart development.
Research tracking over a thousand children and adolescents has shown that every extra hour spent on screens is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. Early warning signs include elevated blood pressure increased waist circumference unhealthy cholesterol levels and reduced insulin sensitivity which can later lead to heart disease and diabetes. Children who experience reduced sleep alongside heavy screen use are at an even higher risk as the combined effect places additional strain on the heart.
The issue is becoming more visible in India where millions of children are now overweight or obese. Sedentary routines unhealthy eating habits and constant device use have contributed to a sharp rise in lifestyle related conditions among children. Pediatric specialists report seeing symptoms such as breathlessness fatigue chest discomfort and reduced stamina more frequently than before.
Dr Kohli emphasizes that screens themselves are not harmful when used in moderation. The key lies in setting healthy boundaries encouraging outdoor play maintaining regular sleep schedules and promoting active daily routines. Small changes at home can play a powerful role in protecting children’s hearts and preventing long term health complications.