The quality and reliability of short videos on cardiovascular disease combined with anxiety or depression and their narrative healing efficacy

Background Short-form video platforms have become primary channels for the public to access health information; therefore, their influence in disseminating knowledge about psychosomatic disorders has garnered increasing attention. We aimed to systematically evaluate the quality, presentation formats and emotional narrative characteristics of short videos concerning cardiovascular disease co-occurring with anxiety and depression on the TikTok and Bilibili platforms. Methods A cross-sectional content analysis approach was employed. Popular Chinese-language short videos relevant to the research theme were selected from both platforms. Content quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score, modified DISCERN, and Journal of the American Medical Association frameworks, while the video content was analysed. Results Although certain videos conveyed basic medical knowledge, overall quality proved to be inconsistent. Videos from professional sources scored significantly higher than non-professional accounts, with Bilibili content generally demonstrating greater depth and scientific rigour than TikTok. However, in user engagement metrics, non-professional content outperformed professionally produced material. Most videos lacked a thorough discussion of multifactorial disease causes and individual variations, with some exhibiting excessive simplification. Conclusion Short-form video platforms hold potential for enhancing health awareness; however, significant tension exists between user preferences and scientific rigour. Multi-stakeholder collaboration and technological support are necessary to improve platform content quality and scientific accuracy.