BMJ Public Health. 2026 Mar 5;4(1):e003225. doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003225. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular health remains susceptible to inaccurate information, which can harm health outcomes. This scoping review addresses a gap in comprehensive analyses by synthesising evidence on the prevalence, spread, impact and correction strategies related to cardiovascular health misinformation across diverse populations and settings.
METHODS: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, Web of Science. A dual-reviewer process, using Covidence, screened articles in two phases (title/abstract, full-text) based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers, and results were synthesised narratively, presented by tables and figures.
RESULTS: From 6348 screened articles, 22 were included. The review reveals widespread misinformation concerning smoking, nutrition, blood pressure, weight management, alcohol consumption and diabetes care. Specific examples include misleading claims about e-cigarette safety and the downplaying of alcohol's harms. A substantial proportion of social media posts falsely discourage salt reduction (reaching 1.5 million followers) and a significant number of diet/exercise vlogs (36.7%) and YouTube videos on myocardial infarction (one-third) contain inaccuracies, often originating from unreliable sources. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X were identified as key platforms for dissemination.
CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that cardiovascular health misinformation is widespread and shaped by both platform dynamics and user-level factors. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated strategies that strengthen digital literacy, enhance visibility of evidence-based content and reduce the reach of misinformation. Collaborative efforts between public health agencies, clinical institutions and technology platforms are essential to ensure that trustworthy cardiovascular disease-related information reaches the public.
PMID:42306638 | PMC:PMC13266244 | DOI:10.1136/bmjph-2025-003225