Behavioral addictions and cardiovascular health: a scoping review of the peer-reviewed primary research literature

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dc.contributor.authorSinclair, Deborah Louise
dc.contributor.authorSussman, Steve
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-07T07:44:40Z
dc.date.available2026-01-07T07:44:40Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractBackground: Most studies that have examined the association of addiction with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been completed regarding substances. However, behavioral addictions may indirectly or directly negatively impact one’s health. We engaged in a scoping review on the associations of behavioral addictions (i.e., sex, exercise, love, Internet, shopping, gambling, and work) with cardiovascular health. We aimed to explore (1) the addictive behaviors addressed in the literature, (2) the study samples and country contexts, (3) the methods used, and (4) the associations found with CVD or its precursors. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodological framework, a search across the Web of Science, PubMed, 13 ProQuest databases, and Google Scholar yielded 59 primary research articles. Results: The majority of these studies inferred cardiovascular consequences emerging from engaging in these addictions, based on stresses induced, sedentary behavior involved, or proximal physiological data such as heart rate variability or electrocardiogram reactivity. However, the literature is quite weak in indicating that behavioral addictions lead to later cardiovascular events. Studies are also confounded by other variables (e.g., substance use disorders). No love addiction or shopping addiction-cardiovascular event studies were located, nor were the potential confounding effects of substitute addictions. Conclusions: Future longitudinal research and qualitative studies among older adults are needed to better discern the impact of behavioral addictions on cardiovascular health. For example, in studies that find cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure, there is a need to try to discern whether the effects followed from addiction or preceded the addiction. In addition, studies are needed to discern whether behavioral addictions primarily impact cardiovascular health through social and reactivity consequences of engaging in the behaviors or merely indirectly through engagement in sedentary lifestyles.
dc.identifier.citationSinclair, D.L. and Sussman, S., 2025. Behavioral Addictions and Cardiovascular Health: A Scoping Review of the Peer-Reviewed Primary Research Literature. Heart and Mind, pp.10-4103.
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.4103/hm.HM-D-24-00080
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/21612
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherWolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
dc.subjectAddictive behaviors
dc.subjectBehavioral addictions
dc.subjectCardiovascular diseases
dc.subjectCardiovascular health
dc.subjectProcess addictions
dc.titleBehavioral addictions and cardiovascular health: a scoping review of the peer-reviewed primary research literature
dc.typeArticle

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