It is not really
established as to how exactly does stress increase the risk of heart
disease. Senior cardiologists feel that whether stress by itself is an
independent risk factor or whether stress affects other risk factors and
behaviors, is a question that is yet unanswered.
Senior interventional cardiologist Dr Tilak Suvarna says, "Studies have shown that long-term stress causes higher incidence of unhealthy life style. More people with long-term work related stress end up having reduced exercise, unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol, leading to obesity." He explains that this in turn increases chances of having hypertension, diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol. So long-term work related stress increases the chances of having heart disease by making one prone to have risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Relationship between stress and heart
He adds, "It is possible that stress could increase your blood pressure, make you overeat, make you exercise less and make you to smoke more and thus increase your chance of having a heart problem. Chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can be detrimental for the heart. On the other hand, acute stress can cause sudden increase in the blood pressure or plaque rupture or formation of blood clots, leading to a heart attack."
How does stress increase risk of heart disease?
Senior cardiologist Dr Santosh Kumar Dora says, "Stress may not cause direct harm to heart but it can lead to so many other things which are significant risk factors for heart disease. Many people smoke a lot during stressful condition. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack. People consume alcohol during stress. Chronic stress leading to excess of alcohol consumption chronically can lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition causing weakness of heart muscle leading to heart failure. Stress leads to inactivity and eating a lot including junk food. That leads to increase in blood cholesterol level which can lead to deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels of heart leading to angina. Stress also releases stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones can increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes which are major risk factor for heart disease.
Senior interventional cardiologist Dr Nilesh Gautam says, "Chronic stress causes high blood pressure which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It also causes chest pain, increased frequency of abnormal beats, abnormal heart rhythm which is called as arrhythmias."
Don't ignore warning signs
When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signals that something is wrong. These include feeling excessively tired or run down, insomnia or lack of sleep, irritability, headaches, getting short-tempered. These warning signs should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down. If you continue to be stressed and you don't give your body a break, you are likely to develop health problems. Unlike other risk factors for heart disease, it is not possible to measure stress in a precise way.
When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signals that something is wrong. These include feeling excessively tired or run down, insomnia or lack of sleep, irritability, headaches, getting short-tempered. These warning signs should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down. If you continue to be stressed and you don't give your body a break, you are likely to develop health problems. Unlike other risk factors for heart disease, it is not possible to measure stress in a precise way.
Response to stress matters more than stress itself
All people feel stress, but they feel it in different amounts and react to it in different ways. More than stress itself, it is the response to stress which is important and determines your health or ill-health. Some people react to stress with feelings of anger, guilt, fear, hostility, anxiety and moodiness that could make things worse. Others may face life's challenges with ease.
All people feel stress, but they feel it in different amounts and react to it in different ways. More than stress itself, it is the response to stress which is important and determines your health or ill-health. Some people react to stress with feelings of anger, guilt, fear, hostility, anxiety and moodiness that could make things worse. Others may face life's challenges with ease.
Here is how to deal with stress
While it is impossible to live your life completely stress-free, it is possible to make some changes in one's lifestyle, so as to reduce harmful effects of stress on one's heart. Dr Suvarna says, "But current data don't yet support specific recommendations about stress reduction as a proven therapy for cardiovascular disease. Yoga, however could could be useful to combat stress." Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. You could go for brisk walking or swimming or gym, Yoga and meditation can calm you down. Practice it regularly at least 15 to 20 minutes a day.
While it is impossible to live your life completely stress-free, it is possible to make some changes in one's lifestyle, so as to reduce harmful effects of stress on one's heart. Dr Suvarna says, "But current data don't yet support specific recommendations about stress reduction as a proven therapy for cardiovascular disease. Yoga, however could could be useful to combat stress." Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. You could go for brisk walking or swimming or gym, Yoga and meditation can calm you down. Practice it regularly at least 15 to 20 minutes a day.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Listening your favorite music helps down to decrease stress significantly.
Avoid smoking as any amount smoking can be injurious to health and heart.
Regular periodic vacation with friend and or family increases happiness and decreases stress.
Early to bed and early to rise with adequate sleep helps.
Drinking fresh juice and eating fruits and salads is important. Avoid alcohol, coffee and junk foods.
Listening your favorite music helps down to decrease stress significantly.
Avoid smoking as any amount smoking can be injurious to health and heart.
Regular periodic vacation with friend and or family increases happiness and decreases stress.
Early to bed and early to rise with adequate sleep helps.
Drinking fresh juice and eating fruits and salads is important. Avoid alcohol, coffee and junk foods.
Signs of cardiovascular disease
If one is having one or more of the below mentioned symptoms, then he/she should seek medical help immediately, states Dr Dora. Dr Tilak Suvarna adds, "It is pertinent to note that diabetic patients may have advanced heart disease and not have any symptoms at all."
If one is having one or more of the below mentioned symptoms, then he/she should seek medical help immediately, states Dr Dora. Dr Tilak Suvarna adds, "It is pertinent to note that diabetic patients may have advanced heart disease and not have any symptoms at all."
Chest pain at the center of chest
Breathlessness even with minimal exertion and shortness of breath
Palpitation (racing of heart)
Giddiness or momentary loss of consciousness
Insomnia
Clammy skin and cold sweat
Dizziness
Symptoms of stress
Chronic headache
Loss of appetite
Breathlessness
Chest tightness
Lack of concentration
Reduced sleep
Listlessness, lack of interest at workplace
Negative mental thoughts
Headache
Back strain
Stomach pains
Fatigue
Make you feel cranky, forgetful and out of control
Breathlessness even with minimal exertion and shortness of breath
Palpitation (racing of heart)
Giddiness or momentary loss of consciousness
Insomnia
Clammy skin and cold sweat
Dizziness
Symptoms of stress
Chronic headache
Loss of appetite
Breathlessness
Chest tightness
Lack of concentration
Reduced sleep
Listlessness, lack of interest at workplace
Negative mental thoughts
Headache
Back strain
Stomach pains
Fatigue
Make you feel cranky, forgetful and out of control
