Monday stock trading kicked off with the Dow down 1,000 points, and if you’re invested — literally and figuratively — that could take a toll on your heart.
That’s the takeaway from a just-published study out of China’s Fudan University: Researchers there say volatility in the markets — both on upswings and downturns, like Monday’s — leads to increased mortality risks from major adverse cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes, as well as suicide.
Moreover, these increased risks were observed for two days after both downturns and upswings.
The scientists observed that the daily swings of the stock market — even if ends up where it began — are what really take a toll on your ticker.
While bull runs on the market, that is, when stocks are doing well, are a good thing for investors, the scientists observed these risk increases on those days, as well. “Rapid changes in stock values can induce a fear of missing out, leading to impulsive decisions that escalate stress or result in regret and anxiety,” they explain.
“Finally, the potential for sudden reversals in market upswings can cause uncertainty and fear, which are recognized risk factors for acute cardiovascular events,” they add.
The researchers concluded there are “significant health hazards” caused by market volatility, “emphasizing the need for government and public awareness to alleviate [them].”
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by visiting 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.