Sensationalised coverage of cardiac deaths fuels anxiety among youth

Karnataka has recently witnessed a disturbing surge in sensationalised social media coverage of sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among the youth. While these cases are tragic and deserve attention, experts warn that the disproportionate focus on them is fuelling a psychological concern known as cardio phobia—an irrational, persistent fear of heart ailments.

What is cardio phobia?

Cardio phobia, or heart-focused anxiety, is a psychological condition where individuals become excessively worried about developing heart diseases, especially heart attacks. This fear disrupts daily life, causing emotional distress and avoidance behaviour.

Dr K Krishnamurthy, a medical expert, explained, “People with cardio phobia often obsessively monitor their heartbeat, avoid physical activity fearing it may trigger a cardiac event, and undergo unnecessary tests for reassurance. They misinterpret normal sensations like fatigue or palpitations as signs of a heart attack. Over time, this escalates into persistent health anxiety and dependency on medical consultations.”

Root causes and triggers

Experts note that cardio phobia can be triggered by several factors:

  • A personal or family history of heart disease
  • Past traumatic experiences, such as witnessing a cardiac event
  • Chronic stress and anxiety
  • Misinterpretation of common sensations like sweating or chest tightness

Sensationalised media reports, particularly those highlighting sudden deaths among young people, significantly fuel this disorder. “Overexposure to shocking headlines magnifies fear and heightens anxiety,” a psychiatrist observed.

Managing and overcoming the fear

Specialists recommend a comprehensive approach for managing cardio phobia. The first step is medical evaluation to rule out actual cardiac issues. Alongside, adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and balanced diet is strongly advised.

A Bengaluru-based cardiologist highlighted the role of relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. “Developing self-awareness and interpreting bodily signals accurately plays a vital role,” he said.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven particularly effective in addressing negative thought cycles and maladaptive habits. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe medication to manage anxiety or sleep disturbances.

Balanced awareness needed

Dr Ganesh P, a neurologist and psychiatrist, emphasised the importance of perspective: “Public awareness must strike a balance between caution and panic. While understanding heart health is crucial, excessive fear triggered by misinformation or constant exposure to alarming narratives can cause more harm than good.”

Recognising symptoms of cardio phobia

Some common signs of cardio phobia include:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Chest discomfort
  • Palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Persistent negative thoughts about health

Conclusion

While sudden cardiac deaths among the young are deeply concerning, experts caution against magnifying isolated incidents into widespread panic. A balanced, informed approach—rooted in healthy living, mindful awareness, and medical guidance—can prevent cardio phobia from becoming a larger public health challenge.