Get Up and Check Your Phone Immediately? This Habit is Dangerous for the Heart

JAKARTA - Many people can't get away from using their cellphones every day, such as doing doomscrolling or playing social media constantly. In fact, this habit can damage heart health.

Moreover, if the habit of doomscrolling is done immediately after waking up. This will make a person focus on things that tend to trigger anxiety.

"When you glance at your phone shortly after waking up, you're actually handing over your focus to things that often trigger anxiety or feelings of comparing yourself," said thoracic surgeon, Dr. Alexandra Kharazi, MD, FACS, quoted from Parade, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The habit of doomscrolling can delay body movement, cut down on time for more meaningful routines, and trap in a reactive state, anxiety that increases blood pressure. All of these are also related to heart health conditions.

"High blood pressure can force the heart to work harder, which ultimately increases the risk of coronary heart disease," said cardiologist, dr. Leonard Pianko, MD.

In addition to the habit of scrolling in the morning, this habit of scrolling before going to bed can disrupt sleep, which has an impact on the heart.

"Doomscrolling before bedtime can lead to poor sleep," says interventional cardiologist, Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD.

"If your sleep is disturbed and you start playing on your phone, it can further affect your sleep. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease," he added.

Therefore, setting limits for scrolling through social media every day is very important. When you wake up or when you are getting ready to sleep, you should avoid using your phone.

Replace the habit of doomscrolling, especially in the morning and evening, with healthier habits. Like exercising in the morning, or reading a book before bed.