Is your go-to way to relax actually putting your heart at risk? Here’s what cardiologists say
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
We all have our favorite ways to unwind—maybe it’s flipping through a novel, sipping tea, or tending to the garden.
But in today’s digital world, many of us have added another habit to the list: reaching for our phones.
It feels harmless, even comforting, to scroll through updates, news, or funny videos while relaxing on the couch.
But cardiologists say this habit—especially when done first thing in the morning or just before bed—may be quietly harming your heart health.
It’s called “doomscrolling”—the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative or stressful content online.
Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Southern California, explains that starting your day by checking your phone can immediately trigger anxiety.
“You’re outsourcing your focus,” she says.
“Instead of grounding your day, you’re reacting—and often stressing—before you’ve even had your coffee.”
And that spike in stress? It isn’t just in your head.
It kicks off your body’s fight-or-flight response, raising cortisol and adrenaline levels.
According to Miami-based cardiologist Dr. Leonard Pianko, these hormones can elevate your blood pressure—making your heart work harder than it needs to.
Too much screen time means too little movement
The heart risks don’t stop there.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, notes that phone time often replaces movement—and that’s a problem.
“When we sit for too long, we’re increasing our risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—all of which raise our risk for heart disease,” he says.
And doomscrolling at night? It can interfere with your sleep, a key player in maintaining heart health.
Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, inflammation, and irregular heart rhythms.
Also read: A mom opens the front door to find a mountain of mayhem—and 70,000 lollipops
What we’re not doing may matter most
Dr. Kharazi points out that the biggest danger isn’t just what scrolling does—it’s what it prevents us from doing.
“Instead of exercising, resting, or preparing healthy meals, we end up spending that time glued to our screens,” she says.
“And over time, that takes a toll on our overall wellbeing.”
Also read: You might be doing a daily habit that’s destroying your brain. Are you at risk?
How to scroll smarter (and take care of your heart)
You don’t have to ditch your phone entirely. But small changes in how—and when—you scroll can make a big difference:
Also read: Want to feel happier? Science says logging off social media at the right time works
A quick scroll or a long-term risk?
The bottom line: not all relaxation is created equal.
What feels like a harmless scroll might actually be keeping you sedentary, stressed, and less in tune with your body’s needs.
Your heart works hard for you—every hour of every day.
Maybe it’s time to return the favor by giving it a little less stress, and a little more care!
Read next: Shocking truth: The nightly routine that may be destroying your health, revealed by a naturopathic expert!
Have you noticed how scrolling affects your mood, sleep, or energy levels? Tried cutting back or changing your digital habits? Share your tips and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear them!
We all have our favorite ways to unwind—maybe it’s flipping through a novel, sipping tea, or tending to the garden.
But in today’s digital world, many of us have added another habit to the list: reaching for our phones.
It feels harmless, even comforting, to scroll through updates, news, or funny videos while relaxing on the couch.
But cardiologists say this habit—especially when done first thing in the morning or just before bed—may be quietly harming your heart health.
It’s called “doomscrolling”—the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative or stressful content online.
Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Southern California, explains that starting your day by checking your phone can immediately trigger anxiety.
“You’re outsourcing your focus,” she says.
“Instead of grounding your day, you’re reacting—and often stressing—before you’ve even had your coffee.”
Too much phone time? Experts say your scrolling habits could quietly impact your heart health. Image Source: Pexels / Marcus Aurelius.
And that spike in stress? It isn’t just in your head.
It kicks off your body’s fight-or-flight response, raising cortisol and adrenaline levels.
According to Miami-based cardiologist Dr. Leonard Pianko, these hormones can elevate your blood pressure—making your heart work harder than it needs to.
Too much screen time means too little movement
The heart risks don’t stop there.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, notes that phone time often replaces movement—and that’s a problem.
“When we sit for too long, we’re increasing our risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—all of which raise our risk for heart disease,” he says.
And doomscrolling at night? It can interfere with your sleep, a key player in maintaining heart health.
Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, inflammation, and irregular heart rhythms.
Also read: A mom opens the front door to find a mountain of mayhem—and 70,000 lollipops
What we’re not doing may matter most
Dr. Kharazi points out that the biggest danger isn’t just what scrolling does—it’s what it prevents us from doing.
“Instead of exercising, resting, or preparing healthy meals, we end up spending that time glued to our screens,” she says.
“And over time, that takes a toll on our overall wellbeing.”
Also read: You might be doing a daily habit that’s destroying your brain. Are you at risk?
How to scroll smarter (and take care of your heart)
You don’t have to ditch your phone entirely. But small changes in how—and when—you scroll can make a big difference:
- Start your mornings without your phone. Stretch, journal, take a walk—anything that helps you ease into your day.
- Set screen time limits. Even cutting back by 30 minutes can free up time for healthier habits.
- Keep phones out of the bedroom. Swap bedtime scrolling for a book or some music to support restful sleep.
- Move while you scroll. If you’re going to look at your phone, do it while walking or on a stationary bike.
- Keep phones off the table at meals. Being present supports better digestion and helps you tune into your body’s signals.
- Follow uplifting accounts. If a social media feed leaves you anxious or irritated, it’s time to edit your list.
- Prioritize real-life connection. Whether it’s a phone call or a walk with a friend, these moments do wonders for emotional and heart health.
Also read: Want to feel happier? Science says logging off social media at the right time works
A quick scroll or a long-term risk?
The bottom line: not all relaxation is created equal.
What feels like a harmless scroll might actually be keeping you sedentary, stressed, and less in tune with your body’s needs.
Your heart works hard for you—every hour of every day.
Maybe it’s time to return the favor by giving it a little less stress, and a little more care!
Read next: Shocking truth: The nightly routine that may be destroying your health, revealed by a naturopathic expert!
Have you noticed how scrolling affects your mood, sleep, or energy levels? Tried cutting back or changing your digital habits? Share your tips and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear them!
