As a cardiovascular surgeon, I see firsthand the devastating effects that heart disease can have on patients and their families. While there are many factors that can contribute to heart disease, one that is often overlooked is stress. Here’s what you need to know about the link between stress and heart disease:
- Chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease: When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase our heart rate and blood pressure. If this happens on a regular basis, it can take a toll on our cardiovascular system and increase our risk of heart disease.
- Stress can make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle: When we’re stressed, we’re more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, drinking alcohol, or overeating. These behaviors can increase our risk of heart disease and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
- Stress can trigger heart attacks and other cardiovascular events: Studies have shown that stress can trigger heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in some people. This may be because stress can cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to the heart.
- Stress management can help reduce your risk of heart disease: While it’s impossible to eliminate stress from our lives completely, there are many techniques that can help us manage stress more effectively. These include practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and regular exercise. By incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine, you may be able to reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you’re concerned about your risk of heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk. This may include making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Remember, managing stress is an important part of maintaining good heart health, so be sure to prioritize self-care and stress management in your daily life.
