Whether it comes from a doctor, family member, or a friend, we’ve all heard it before: “Try not to worry.” But in today’s world, having that perspective can feel almost impossible. First-person accounts of current events like recent hurricanes, global tragedies, and more are always just a click away, creating stress and anxiety.
Ravi Jandhyala, MD, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, cautions against excessive consumption of bad news, saying that people might not realize that it can affect their heart.
Stress affects the mind and body
Doomscrolling — the act of spending too much time scrolling through endless bad news online — is associated with higher levels of stress and reduced well-being. Experiencing stress is normal, and it can’t always be avoided. But too much negative stress is harmful, not only to mental health, but also to your body.
“Studies show that stress and reduced psychological health, as well as mental health, are associated with a rise in heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. Jandhyala, who practices in Orange and San Bernardino counties.
The reasons for this vary. According to the American Heart Association, stress releases hormones that can cause multiple health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even strokes. Stress can also cause people to pick up or indulge unhealthy habits that increase the risk for heart disease and stroke, such as:
- Smoking
- Eating too much food (including junk food)
- Neglecting exercise
- Not taking prescribed medications
Practical ways to combat stress
“Reducing and managing stress in your life is good for your health and well-being, and it can lower your chances of being diagnosed with heart disease,” said Dr. Jandhyala. He recommends following these tips to reduce stress:
- Get regular physical activity on most days of the week
- Practice relaxing with deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi
- Set aside time for healthy hobbies, such as reading, listening to music, or going for a walk
- Spend time with loved ones
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep at night
- Limit your time on social media, especially for apps that you use to doomscroll
We are here to help
Kaiser Permanente offers useful information to support you in managing stress. Explore our care options to help improve your mental health and well-being and your heart health, too.
