Medical experts on the impact of video games cardiac health of children

A new international survey reveals how video games can trigger cardiac arrhythmias in some children. Experts decode the possible reasons and offer tips on tackling gaming addiction

According to a report in Heart Rhythm, a peer-reviewed and the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, video gaming may be a serious threat to children with arrhythmic conditions. The multisite study that was conducted using direct reports from international practitioners involved in diagnosis and treatment of children with heart rhythm disorders, goes on to mention that if children lose consciousness while gaming, it could be the first sign of a serious heart problem, and must be examined by a heart specialist. Cardiologists and psychologists offer insight, along with ways to combat an increase in gaming or video game addiction in kids.

Why gaming is heavy on the heart

Arrhythmia is defined as irregular heartbeats that are slower, faster or more erratic than normal heartbeats. Some children are born with this condition and can lead relatively normal lives. However, a flare-up due to potential trigger factors can result in heartbeat abnormalities, unconsciousness and can even prove to be fatal. These trigger factors include strong emotional stress, anxiety, anger, sudden excitement or sleep deprivation. These trigger factors are usually observed in children while video gaming.

Keep a check
Dr Nihar Mehta, consultant cardiologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre

Warning signs of heart problems in youngsters can include feeling tired or weak, dizziness or light-headedness, syncope or fainting, palpitations and chest pain. Early signs may differ from child to child. While some may show no signs at all, one or more of the above may be seen in others.

Gaming gone wrong

Sometimes playing video games has been linked to higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight gain. According to several studies, the use of video games has been linked to potentially fatal arrhythmia in kids who were genetically predisposed but were unaware of their condition. Stress hormones may be released as a result. When you play a competitive game, your body releases adrenaline, which speeds up your heart rate, directs blood to your muscles, lowers your immune system, impairs the digestive system and your skin’s blood flow.

Promote a heart-healthy lifestyle
Dr Mahesh Deshpande, cardiologist at Dr. Hedgewar Hospital, BAVP

What a child sees at home has a significant impact on what they learn. When children are exposed to healthy lifestyle choices from an early age, they are less likely to develop cardiovascular issues later in life. A balanced diet, staying at a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity are required for a heart-healthy lifestyle. Also, be present when your child plays video games to monitor and reduce their stress levels.

Pro tips for parents
Kinni Jhaveri, entrepreneur

Kinni and Rehaan Jhaveri

Entrepreneur Kinni Jhaveri shares a few parent tricks to keep playing video games in check. She shares, “Ideally, every parent would like a balance of playing outdoors, reading books and similar activities. But we have to be realistic and accept that video games will fall into the mix of activities. And that’s okay too because kids do need their downtime. It’s about balance, and there are simple ways to manage how much time your kid engages in them.”

1 Negotiate the number of hours that will be devoted to playing video games with your child. Set a time limit at the start of the session. I give my eight-year-old son, Rehaan, a five-minute warning before the time is up. Be firm about maintaining the time slot.

2 Keep the gaming console in the common living area rather than in the bedroom. The latter will lead to logging in more video game time.

3 We have a reward system where my child has to finish all his homework and chores before starting the game. The reward will be extra gaming time.

Watch out for these characteristic signs
Payal Doulatani, psychologist

Psychologist Payal Doulatani balances the advantages and disadvantages of gaming, and highlights that all of us require some amount of stimulation for dexterity, problem-solving and stress release. With current advancements, both physical and cognitive stimulation has become possible via online video gaming.

However, there has been a shift from physical games that involve movement and exercise, and the online gaming space is the new playground space for children and adolescents. She notes that it helps them engage with their peers, boosts their confidence, creates a sense of community, becomes a point of rapport for them, and guides them to practise social skills in a non-threatening environment, especially for children who are on the neurodivergent spectrum.

She adds, “However, some visual stimulations can be graphic and quite stimulating for children, if overindulged. It has been reported by some parents that their children become argumentative, aggressive and impatient, particularly when they want to play more games.” Important markers for parents to note are if online gaming affects your child’s functioning such as doing routine activities or impacts emotional and behavioural responses including bouts of anger and frustration when not allowed to play and constant role-playing of events from the games.

Tackle boredom together
Riddhi Doshi Patel, child psychologist and parenting counsellor

A mother sits with her child as they play a digital game

Riddhi Doshi Patel, child psychologist, parenting counsellor and three-time TEDx Speaker, notes that children who are not inclined to play outdoors or do not have an inclusive space within their family structure to speak and be heard, might feel neglected. They also do not have the vocabulary that’s required to express emotions; this might divert their time and attention to gaming more than usual.

1 Sometimes, immediately taking away a video game might do more harm. Instead, get involved. Play the game with the child, have an open discussion about it, and divert them to other shared activities like gardening, board games, chess, outdoor activities, music or other activities that you can do together.

2 Tackle boredom from the start by enrolling your kid in extracurricular classes and involving them in household chores and activities.

3 Set a limit on time spent on playing games.

4 Seek professional help in case of an addiction to video gaming.

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