Smartphone Usage Duration and Coronary Lesion Severity Assessed by SYNTAX Score in NSTEMI Patients:An Observational Analysis
Muhammet Gunes1, Idris Yakut11Department of Cardiology, Sincan Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to assess the independent relationship between daily smartphone usage duration, a key indicator of modern sedentary life, and the anatomical severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), measured by the SYNTAX score, in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who lack traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 187 NSTEMI patients were divided into two groups based on the median daily smartphone usage: 'Low Screen Time' (n=93) and 'High Screen Time' (n=94). Screen time was objectively measured using built-in smartphone applications. Coronary lesion complexity was quantified using the SYNTAX score following coronary angiography. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of CAD severity. Results: The High Screen Time group had significantly higher SYNTAX scores compared to the Low Screen Time group (26.2±4.1 vs. 17.52±5.2; p<0.001). This group also exhibited a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) , a more atherogenic lipid profile , and longer delays in hospital admission (3.8±1.4 hours vs. 2.4±1.1 hours; p<0.001) despite being significantly younger. In the regression analysis, high screen time was identified as the most powerful independent predictor of a higher SYNTAX score (?=5.10, p<0.001). Conclusion: High daily smartphone screen time is a potent and independent predictor of the angiographic severity of CAD in young NSTEMI patients who do not have traditional risk factors. This contemporary lifestyle factor may serve as a novel digital biomarker, influencing risk through both sedentary behavior and delays in seeking medical care. Keywords: Smartphone, SYNTAX Score, NSTEMI, Sedentary Behavior, Digital Phenotyping, Text Neck Syndrome
Cite This Article
Gunes M, Yakut I. Smartphone Usage Duration and Coronary Lesion Severity Assessed by SYNTAX Score in NSTEMI Patients:An Observational Analysis. EJMI. 2025; 9(3): 105-112
Corresponding Author: Muhammet Gunes