Movies and television shows routinely depict stress-induced cardiac events. Receiving devastating news about a loved one’s death surely elicits some sort of response, but is a heart attack one of them?
Does stress have an impact on cardiovascular health? It’s complicated.
Stress and Heart Disease: Risk vs. Causation
Stress is a known risk factor for the development or exacerbation of heart disease. Chronic stress increases cortisol production, which can increase other factors that make you more susceptible to a cardiac event, including weight gain and high blood pressure. If you’re always stressed, it has a negative impact on your health.
If an individual experiences acute stress, such as a sudden death of a loved one or a catastrophic event, that sharp increase in cortisol may exacerbate an existing condition. This can result in a sudden cardiac event.
In short, It’s not the stress that causes heart attacks — it’s what the stress does to your body over time.
Stress-Related Risk Factors
Many of the risk factors for heart attacks arise from individuals trying to cope with daily stress. Unhealthy coping mechanisms — such as smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating habits — can lead to cardiovascular disease. Repeated instances of acute stressors, such as finances, relationship troubles, or work-induced pressures, often lead people to turn to these risky coping methods.
There are many healthy ways to lower your stress levels. If you have an especially stressful day—or even a series of stressful days—you need to know how to unwind without relying on unhealthy habits or allowing the stress to become chronic.
Your Best Defenses Against Stress
Exercise and eating well are some of the best ways to manage stress.
Exercise improves mood, and studies have shown that a person who regularly exercises is also less likely to drink or smoke excessively. Physical activity and healthy eating also help prevent obesity-related diseases.
When practiced regularly, these healthy habits can delay the onset of other health conditions, even if a person may be genetically predisposed to them — including high cholesterol and hypertension.
Hear From Our Experts
Listen to Kelli Goldsborough, CRNP, a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group, as she discusses the complex relationship between stress and your heart on the Live Greater Podcast.
More to Read
- Mindfulness Activities for Stress Management
- How to Reduce the Stress in Your Life
- Guided Meditation: A Daily Exercise to Reduce the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Your Life
- How to Unleash the Power of Positive Psychology
