Notifications from smartphones and other devices may seem innocuous, but they can lead to significant health issues, particularly regarding cardiovascular health. According to Dr. Chirag D, a cardiologist at Aster Hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru, repeated notifications create 'micro-stress' by triggering the body's survival response, which releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This state can elevate heart rates, increase blood pressure, and disrupt sleep, leading to anxiety and mental exhaustion. Dr. G Dimpu Edwin Jonathan from Aster RV Hospital emphasizes that while notifications alone may not directly cause heart disease, they contribute to a broader set of risk factors, including poor sleep and workplace burnout, which can lead to inflammation in the body. The constant barrage of alerts can keep the nervous system in a heightened state of alertness, ultimately depriving the brain of necessary recovery time. Experts suggest that managing notification settings and taking breaks from digital devices can help mitigate these health risks.