Excessive Screen Time: The Silent Threat to Children’s Heart Health, Warns Cardiologist

New Delhi | 6 Feb 2026 In today’s digital age, parents often worry about junk food, pollution, or infections affecting their children’s health. But one factor that is quietly harming young hearts often goes unnoticed screen time. Dr Vikas Kohli, Senior Pediatric Cardiologist with over 25 years of experience and Founder of the Child Heart Foundation (CHF), tells HT Lifestyle that “excessive recreational screen time, watching videos, gaming, scrolling, may seem harmless, but it has a real impact on a child’s heart health.” Research supports Dr Kohli’s concern. A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, tracking over 1,000 children and teenagers, found a clear link between longer screen hours and higher cardiometabolic risk. “This includes early changes in blood pressure, waist size, cholesterol levels, and insulin response, all warning signs for future heart disease,” he explains. The risks increase when screen time affects sleep and physical activity. “Children who sleep less are affected even more severely,” Dr Kohli says. “Screens not only reduce physical activity but also disrupt sleep. Together, these two factors put unnecessary stress on a young heart.” Clinics in India are already seeing the impact. With over 6 million overweight children and 2.4 million classified as obese, Dr Kohli notes that “obesity today accounts for nearly 23% of heart disease risk and 44% of diabetes cases in children. Much of this is tied to sedentary routines, poor eating habits, and long hours spent on devices.” To protect children from these risks, Dr Kohli emphasizes the importance of balance. “Screen time often replaces outdoor play and encourages constant snacking, creating a cycle of inactivity and weight gain. Parents should not ignore warning signs like breathlessness during play, chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, or fainting spells, these are becoming more common.” His advice is simple: “Screens aren’t the enemy, but unrestricted, excessive screen time is. Limiting it, encouraging outdoor activity, and ensuring proper sleep are some of the easiest ways to protect your child’s heart.” Too Much Screen Time Can Harm Your Child’s Heart, Warns Expert Parents often worry about junk food or infections, but one hidden threat to children’s health is screen time. Dr Vikas Kohli, Senior Pediatric Cardiologist and Founder of the Child Heart Foundation (CHF), says, “Excessive recreational screen time, watching videos, gaming, scrolling, may seem harmless, but it has a real impact on a child’s heart health.” Studies show the dangers are real. Research in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed over 1,000 children and found that every extra hour on screens increases risks like changes in blood pressure, waist size, cholesterol, and insulin response all early signs of heart disease. Screen time also affects sleep and physical activity. “Children who sleep less are affected even more severely,” Dr Kohli explains. “Screens not only reduce physical activity but also disrupt sleep. Together, these two factors put unnecessary stress on a young heart.” In India, over 6 million children are overweight and 2.4 million are obese, with obesity contributing to “nearly 23% of heart disease risk and 44% of diabetes cases in children.” Dr Kohli advises parents to act early. “Screens aren’t the enemy, but unrestricted, excessive screen time is. Limiting it, encouraging outdoor activity, and ensuring proper sleep are some of the easiest ways to protect your child’s heart.” He also warns not to ignore signs like breathlessness, chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, or fainting during play.