Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 13: In recent weeks, Karnataka has witnessed a wave of media reports highlighting sudden deaths due to heart attacks—many involving young individuals. These emotionally charged, dramatic stories are spreading rapidly across news platforms and social media, often without medical context or nuance.
While raising awareness about heart health is crucial, experts warn that this trend of sensationalized reporting is triggering a silent psychological epidemic — Cardiophobia — an intense and irrational fear of heart-related diseases.
Representational image
What is Cardiophobia?
Cardiophobia, also known as heart-focused anxiety, is a psychological condition where individuals experience a persistent, overwhelming fear of having a heart attack or suffering from heart disease — even when there is no medical evidence to support those fears.
Mental health professionals say this fear is so powerful that it can impair daily life, causing sufferers to misinterpret normal bodily sensations like a fast heartbeat or minor chest discomfort as signs of impending doom.
Signs and symptoms to watch for:
Physical Symptoms:
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or faintness
- Chest pain
- Excessive sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Constant fear of dying from a heart attack
- Obsessive worry about heart health
- Hyperawareness of any bodily sensations
- Fear of being alone or far from medical help
- Frequently checking pulse or heart rate
- Avoiding physical exertion, even mild activity
- Seeking repeated reassurance or undergoing multiple medical tests
Psychological Symptoms:
Behavioural Symptoms:
What causes Cardiophobia?
Psychiatrists and psychologists identify several possible triggers:
- Personal history of heart-related illness or trauma
- Witnessing a sudden cardiac death in the family or among peers
- Overexposure to distressing health content, especially via social media and sensational news
- Chronic stress and pre-existing anxiety disorders
- Misinterpreting normal physical sensations as dangerous
Family history of heart disease can also amplify these fears, particularly among those who are already prone to anxiety.
How can it be treated?
Thankfully, Cardiophobia is treatable through a combination of psychological therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and—in some cases—medication.
Effective treatment options include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and reduce compulsive behaviors.
- Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are proven to calm the nervous system.
- Mindfulness Practices: Yoga, grounding techniques, and focusing on the present moment help reduce obsessive thoughts.
- Medication: In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe anti-anxiety or sleep medications to control acute symptoms.
How to protect yourself from Cardiophobia
Mental health experts advise the public, especially youth, to respond proactively and rationally rather than panic:
- Consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis if symptoms arise.
- Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle — exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, and get adequate sleep.
- Limit exposure to fear-inducing media content and avoid self-diagnosing based on the internet.
- Accept and listen to your body without overreacting to every sensation.
- Cultivate self-awareness and resilience through mindfulness and mental health support.
Fear shouldn't overshadow facts
While sudden heart-related deaths are indeed alarming and worth discussing, over-sensationalizing them can lead to widespread anxiety and paranoia, especially among the younger generation. “Instead of fear, we need factual awareness,” says a city-based cardiologist. "People must learn to differentiate between genuine medical symptoms and anxiety-driven reactions."
In an age where information spreads instantly — and often without filters — it’s vital to balance awareness with rational thinking.
Heart health is undeniably important. But letting fear take control of the mind and body can do more harm than good. Recognise the signs of cardiophobia early, seek professional support, and focus on living a balanced, mindful, and healthy life.