Stressful is one of many words that can be used to describe the past several U.S. election seasons, especially the 2024 election.
And with tensions running high as Election Day is right around the corner, Dr. Abed Asfour with Dignity Health Arizona said it’s important to recognize that while mental health is affected by election stress, so too is physical health.
He said researchers have seen increased reports of cardiac events that lead to hospitalization following elections:
”Researchers noticed there’s a spike in the five days after elections, and mainly the Monday after the election — that was the highest spike,” he said.
Specifically, Asfour said there was about a 17% increase in the number of heart-related hospitalization events in the five days following elections compared to the number measured just a few weeks prior.
He said problems typically start with increased heart rate and blood pressure — these can then lead to inflammation in blood vessels that can cause heart attacks.
His advice for those experiencing election-related stress is simple:
”Just get out for a walk,” he said, “Find a way to meditate or unwind from the stress that you’re feeling. Limit the alcohol, avoid the smoking, and talk to family and friends about what’s going on.”
While talking politics or election season may be taboo in some households, or in some cases even increase stress, temperatures in the Valley have lowered significantly in the past few weeks.
That should make going outside and taking in some fresh air away more palatable than doomscrolling, a word now recognized by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
He also said that alcohol, smoking and a poor diet can increase the risk of cardiac problems caused by stress — which is why he suggests limiting consumption if you're stressed.
Stressed about what's on your ballot? KJZZ's Voter Guide has information to help you understand what's on it.
