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The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for you. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults. And research shows that stress and heart attacks are related because stress is a contributing factor to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
As a result of this finding, stress-management has been incorporated in many heart disease prevention and treatment programs. But more research is needed to determine how stress contributes to heart disease, which is the leading killer of Americans.
Researchers with the American Heart Association point out that stress may trigger behaviors that increase heart disease risk, such as overeating, smoking and drinking too much. When you do these activities, it can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Let’s look at some of the other ways stress and heart attack are related, so you can take steps to stop it.
In this fast-paced and hectic world, it is common for people to feel stressed. Stress can affect your ability to perform your daily duties and strain your relationships with your family members, friends and colleagues. Although it begins as a mental or emotional problem, it can lead to the development of physical symptoms and illnesses if it is not detected and managed promptly.
Many people underestimate the impact that stress can have on the body, especially the heart. When we stress, our body reacts to protect us by releasing the hormone cortisol. Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure. Even minor stress can trigger heart problems like poor blood flow to the heart muscle.
If you’re looking for ways to combat your stress and help your heart in the process, try these simple tips.
You can see how working in a few changes to your daily lifestyle may significantly decrease your risk for stress and heart attack. It will also help to keep your blood pressure under control. Another way to keep your blood pressure in check is to read our free guide “Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure.” Cheers, to a healthier you.