Problematic Internet Use and Video Gaming : Are They Emerging Risk Factors for Elevated Blood Pressure?

Background: Hypertension is an increasingly important health concern among children and adolescents. Beyond traditional risk factors such as obesity, sedentary behaviors including prolonged internet use and video gaming may contribute to elevated blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the association between problematic internet use, video gaming, and ambulatory blood pressure parameters in adolescents. Methods: This prospective study included adolescents aged 12–18 years who were referred to a pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic for hypertension evaluation. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed to confirm hypertension. Internet use and gaming behaviors were assessed using the Young Internet Addiction Scale (YIA-SF) and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS9-SF). Scale scores were compared with ABPM parameters. Results: A total of 107 adolescents (40 girls, 67 boys) with a mean age of 14.9 ± 1.8 years were included. According to ABPM findings, 39.4% were normotensive, 17.8% prehypertensive, and 45.8% hypertensive. Although statistical significance was not reached, increasing internet addiction scores were associated with higher overall mean systolic blood pressure. Higher YIA-SF scores were particularly related to increased maximum and mean daytime systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Excessive internet use and video gaming may contribute to elevated blood pressure in adolescents, independent of obesity. Problematic internet behavior should therefore be considered in the clinical evaluation of hypertensive children and adolescents.