Few health issues brought on by stress have been studied more thoroughly in the scientific literature than the link between pressure and heart disease. Numerous studies have established a connection between workplace stress and heart problems.

If stress is not managed, it may be detrimental. Constant stress and work demands might impact your heart health and general well-being. When pressure is temporary, it fosters a high-performance environment that makes it easier to succeed in other endeavours, such as landing a new job interview. According to a study, 30% of people have high blood pressure but are completely unaware of it.

As a result, the condition festers inside us like a ticking time bomb until it damages our overworked hearts and arteries enough to cause hypertension, strokes, or heart attacks.

How Do Stress and Heart Disease Relate?

A 2017 study in The Lancet used images of part of the brain involved with fear and stress and found links between stress and cardiovascular disease episodes. Brain activity was studied along with bone marrow activity and artery inflammation. These findings illustrate mechanisms through which emotional stressors can lead to cardiovascular disease in human beings.

Stress can exacerbate inflammation in the body, which is connected to heart-harming variables like high blood pressure and a decline in HDL cholesterol. But long-term stress can also have a more subtle impact on your heart. Worrying makes it difficult to fall asleep. Numerous people are also less likely to exercise, eat healthily, or keep an eye on their weight. Your heart health could be in danger as a result of all these lifestyle changes.

The stress of everyday living is common. Physical factors like lack of sleep or illness can contribute to stress. An additional source of stress might be emotional, such as worrying about running out of money or losing a loved one. Less dramatic factors like regular responsibilities and pressures that give you the impression that you’re out of control can also generate stress.

The reaction your body has to stress is meant to defend you. But if it persists, it can be harmful to you. Stress results in the secretion of the hormone cortisol. According to studies, prolonged stress may cause high amounts of cortisol, which can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. These are typical heart disease risk factors. Additionally, this stress may result in alterations that encourage the development of plaque deposits in the arteries.

How Can You Safeguard Your Heart?

People far too frequently think that stress and health are almost unrelated. Recognize the negative effects of stress if you’re experiencing any of them. You may guard your heart during difficult situations by following these steps:

• If you’re going through any of the negative impacts of stress, be aware of them & discuss lifestyle modifications with your doctor if you also have additional heart disease risks factors, such as high blood pressure or obesity.
• Yoga, regular exercise and mindful meditation can all help you manage stress, lower your blood pressure, and fight heart disease.
• 7 – 8 hours of sleep with better hygiene is critical in managing stress & promoting heart health.
• After a long day at work, taking a break to walk with friends can help you unwind. Stress can be reduced by discussing issues, scheduling time with friends and family, and developing a positive outlook on life.
• Avoid – stress eating, consuming junk food and drinking excessive tea-coffee.