Document

Stress is undeniably one of the most common reasons for most problems in our lives. It not only affects our behaviour and cognitive function but also other aspects of our lives such as physical health, relationships and productivity.

Different people have different triggers of stress. What may be stressful to you, might not stress your partner or family. Did you know that stress can stem from both happy and unhappy events? Having a wedding, birthday party, or job promotion can bring equal stress from a recession, loss of a job, the demise of a close one, and others.

How does stress impact heart health?

Our mental health has a direct impact on our body, especially the heart. Have you noticed signs such as cold feet and hands, sweaty palms or face, racing heartbeat and fidgeting with your fingers when nervous? These are all a result of the effect of stress on the heart.

Stress is a huge risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It may contribute to poor habits including but not limited to:

  • Overeating
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Not getting enough sleep
  • Following an unhealthy eating pattern
  • Gaining weight
  • Not exercising
  • Not maintaining good physical hygiene
  • Avoiding medications
  • Poor cognition, mood and behaviour

In return, the body would respond by:

  • Having low energy all day long
  • Poor quality sleep
  • Making you cranky, low, angry, forgetful

A stressful situation can impact your body beyond what you think. Stress releases adrenaline which increases breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to prepare your body for fight or flight reactions. If the stress levels continue to rise, you may experience other symptoms that involve different organs of the body, especially the stomach and brain function.

What is chronic stress? How does it impact heart health?

Chronic stress is when a person fails to manage stress effectively for a long time and it starts impacting your physical health. Under chronic stress, the body is always guarded and has higher levels of adrenaline than usual to prepare for on and off fight or flight reactions.

This may result in increased blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Hence, it is advisable to manage stress and anxiety to prevent cardiovascular events in future.

What are the easiest ways to manage stress?

Now don’t think that managing stress will eliminate stress altogether. It is normal to feel stressed at times. But it is crucial to find ways to not let it harm the body and relieve it quickly. To combat stress, you can make subtle changes in your habits, one at a time. These include:

  • Start exercising at least 150 minutes in a week. This will make you mentally and physically ready to deal with stress.
  • Learn to meditate. Using soothing fragrances while doing so can enhance your mood and alleviate stress.
  • Consult a therapist if you feel you cannot manage stress on your own.
  • Practise mindful eating. This means that when you feel stressed, make a conscious effort to not eat unhealthy foods or overeat. Replace eating when stressed with running/ doing any physical activity. It can also be cleaning your cupboard or any part of the house.

Conclusion

Remember, prolonged stress can not just affect your heart, but also your productivity, work, relationships and others. You have the power to bring a change today. Manage your stress well, and expect good things to happen.

Written by
Related blogs
Latest blogs
testing

Cuvis Robot: Pioneering Precision in Joint Replacements

2023-10-26

Changing Lives: The Heartbeat of Hope in India's Transplant Revolution

Changing Lives: The Heartbeat of Hope
in India's Transplant Revolution

2024-01-04

Heart - Lung Transplants: The Extraordinary Tale

Heart - Lung Transplants: The Extraordinary Tale

2024-01-04

Marengo CIMS' Historic Bloodless Heart Transplant Paves the Way for a New Era in Organ Transplantation"

Marengo CIMS' Historic Bloodless Heart Transplant Paves the Way for a New Era in Organ Transplantation

2024-01-04

The Lifesaving Marvel of Heart Transplants: A Journey Beyond Limits

The Lifesaving Marvel of Heart Transplants: A Journey Beyond Limits

2024-01-04

What Does An ENT Do At Your First Appointment

What Does An ENT Do At Your First Appointment

2024-04-18

Why Choosing the Right Nephrologist in India is Crucial for Your Kidney Health

Why Choosing the Right Nephrologist in India is Crucial for Your Kidney Health

2024-04-19

Why Regular Dental Check-ups Are Essential For a Healthy Smile

Why Regular Dental Check-ups Are Essential For a Healthy Smile

2024-04-18

Hypertension in Young Adults: Understanding the Rising Health Concern

Hypertension in Young Adults: Understanding the Rising Health Concern

2024-08-20

Heart Failure: Symptoms, Causes, and Common Misconceptions

Heart Failure: Symptoms, Causes, and Common Misconceptions

2024-08-20

Heart Attack in Women: 10 Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Heart Attack in Women: 10 Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

2024-08-20

Heart Health Tips: Strategies for a Stronger Heart

Heart Health Tips: Strategies
for a Stronger Heart

2024-08-20

Why Are More Young Adults Dying of Heart Attacks?

Why Are More Young Adults
Dying of Heart Attacks?

2024-08-20

Hypertension: Understanding the Silent Killer

Hypertension: Understanding the Silent Killer

2024-08-20

How Exercise Prevents Heart Conditions?

How Exercise Prevents Heart Conditions?

2024-08-30

Understand Arrhythmia: The Most Common Heart Problem

Understand Arrhythmia: The Most Common Heart Problem

2024-08-30

First Aid for Heart Attacks: How to Treat a Heart Attack Emergency

First Aid for Heart Attacks: How to Treat a Heart Attack Emergency

2024-08-30

Angiography Explained: How It Helps in Heart Treatment

Angiography Explained: How It Helps in Heart Treatment

2024-09-16

Cervical Cancer: Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Cervical Cancer: Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

2024-09-16

Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Digestive Health: How the gut flora influences overall well-being

Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Digestive Health: How the gut flora influences overall well-being

2024-09-16

Testicular Cancer Management: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment

Testicular Cancer Management: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment

2024-09-16

Understanding Spine Deformity: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Understanding Spine Deformity: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

2024-09-16

Liver Transplant: Indications, Procedure, and Recovery

Liver Transplant: Indications, Procedure, and Recovery

2024-09-30

Debunking 10 Common Myths About Radiation Therapy

Debunking 10 Common Myths About Radiation Therapy

2024-09-30

The Importance of Regular Colonoscopies: Debunking myths and emphasizing early detection

The Importance of Regular Colonoscopies: Debunking myths and emphasizing early detection

2024-09-30

Exploring The Latest Advances In Cardiac Treatment

Exploring The Latest Advances In Cardiac Treatment

2024-09-30

Understanding Dysphoria: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cope

Understanding Dysphoria: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cope

2024-09-30

Understanding GERD: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding GERD: A Comprehensive Guide

2024-10-04

Understanding and Managing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Latest treatment options and lifestyle changes

Understanding and Managing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Latest treatment options and lifestyle changes

2024-10-04

8 Tips to Prevent Gastrointestinal Cancers

8 Tips to Prevent Gastrointestinal Cancers

2024-10-11

Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies

Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms Risk Factors and Treatment Strategies

2024-10-11

The Rise of Robotic Surgery in Orthopaedics

The Rise of Robotic Surgery in Orthopaedics

2024-10-11

A Journey to Relief: Understanding POEM for Achalasia

A Journey to Relief: Understanding POEM for Achalasia

2024-10-17

Endoscopic Therapies for GERD: Exploring ARMA, ARMS, and GERDX

Endoscopic Therapies for GERD: Exploring ARMA, ARMS, and GERDX

2024-10-17

A Complete Guide to Understanding Bipolar Depression

A Complete Guide to Understanding Bipolar Depression

2024-11-05

How Diet Impacts Mental Health?

How Diet Impacts Mental Health?

2024-11-05

Overview of Common Respiratory Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Management Strategies

Overview of Common Respiratory Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Management Strategies

2024-11-05

Understanding Pneumothorax: A Comprehensive Guide to Collapsed Lungs

Understanding Pneumothorax: A Comprehensive Guide to Collapsed Lungs

2024-11-05

Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Comprehensive Treatments

Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Comprehensive Treatments

2024-11-19

Unlocking Relief: How Biofeedback Transformed Sarah’s Struggle with Chronic Constipation

Unlocking Relief: How Biofeedback Transformed Sarah’s Struggle with Chronic Constipation

2024-11-19

Common Misconceptions about Liposuction

Common Misconceptions about Liposuction

2024-11-19

The Journey of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: From Diagnosis to Recovery

The Journey of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: From Diagnosis to Recovery

2024-11-19

Key Strategies for Supporting a Child with Autism: Coping, Advocacy, and Self-Care Tips

Key Strategies for Supporting a Child with Autism: Coping, Advocacy, and Self-Care Tips

2024-11-22

Benefits of Breastfeeding and Methods for Mothers and Babies

Benefits of Breastfeeding and Methods for Mothers and Babies

2024-11-22

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnostic Methods

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnostic Methods

2024-11-22

Enquire Now