From The Boston Globe · · 1m
Election Stress and Heart Health
Election stress can trigger heart arrhythmias and hospitalizations, especially for those with cardiovascular disease.
In brief
Election stress can trigger heart arrhythmias and hospitalizations, especially for those with cardiovascular disease. Elections increase heart risks due to stress, with higher arrhythmia rates and heart attacks in the weeks before and after voting. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Election Stress Impact
Elections, especially divisive ones, can stress the heart and increase arrhythmia risks.
“Your political party doesn’t matter to your heart; stress does”
2016 Election Findings
A 77 percent higher rate of irregular heartbeats occurred during the six weeks around the 2016 election.
2020 Election Findings
Heart attack hospitalizations rose significantly after Election Day compared to the same period two weeks prior.
Health Experts' Advice
Limit news and social media, prioritize sleep, take medications, and practice stress-reducing activities.
Stress Mechanisms
Acute stress triggers fight-or-flight responses, raising heart rates and blood pressure temporarily.
Long-Term Risks
Chronic stress is a known risk factor for heart disease over time, affecting nearly half of US adults.
Next Steps
Researchers plan to study 2020 and 2024 elections using wearables to monitor stress impacts.
The short version
Elections increase heart risks due to stress, with higher arrhythmia rates and heart attacks in the weeks before and after voting.
