Heart Disease: Stress and Heart Disease
Stress is a normal part of life. But, if left unmanaged, stress can lead to
emotional, psychological and even physical problems, including coronary artery
disease, high blood pressure, chest pains or even irregular heart beats.
Learn to Relax and Sleep Like a Baby
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Think about how easy it is for a baby or small child to
fall asleep. We're born with the instinct to relax and sleep when our bodies or
minds need a break. Over the years, it becomes necessary to control and even
suppress these natural urges to rest, since we must remain alert as we attend
school, learn professions, go to work, or care for a family. Many people spend
years conditioning themselves to perform well despite feelings of tiredness. While no
one would argue that suppressing tiredness can be a necessary skill, it can
impair our ability to actually "let go" and relax when we do find the time.
Relaxation is also a uniquely individual activity.
Napping or just doing nothing might be your idea of relaxation, but this amount
of inactivity might drive someone else crazy. Others may relax by participating
in sports or undertaking physical challenges, but some people would find these
activities stressful. Whatever your idea of relaxation, the following tips can help you
retrain and regain some of those lost relaxation skills...
How Does Stress Contribute to Heart Disease?
Medical researchers aren't sure exactly how stress increases the risk of
heart disease. Stress itself might be a risk factor, or it could be that high
levels of stress make other risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high blood
pressure) worse. For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes
up, you may overeat, you may exercise less and you may be more likely to smoke.
If stress itself is a risk factor for heart disease, it could be because
chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of
stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Studies also link stress to
changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack.
Does Stress Affect Everyone the Same?
No. People respond in different ways to events and situations. One person may
find an event joyful and gratifying, but another person may find the same event
miserable and frustrating. Sometimes, people may handle stress in ways that make
bad situations worse by reacting with feelings of anger, guilt, fear, hostility,
anxiety and moodiness. Others may face life's challenges with ease.
Learn to Relax and Sleep Like a Baby
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Think about how easy it is for a baby or small child to
fall asleep. We're born with the instinct to relax and sleep when our bodies or
minds need a break. Over the years, it becomes necessary to control and even
suppress these natural urges to rest, since we must remain alert as we attend
school, learn professions, go to work, or care for a family. Many people spend
years conditioning themselves to perform well despite feelings of tiredness. While no
one would argue that suppressing tiredness can be a necessary skill, it can
impair our ability to actually "let go" and relax when we do find the time.
Relaxation is also a uniquely individual activity.
Napping or just doing nothing might be your idea of relaxation, but this amount
of inactivity might drive someone else crazy. Others may relax by participating
in sports or undertaking physical challenges, but some people would find these
activities stressful. Whatever your idea of relaxation, the following tips can help you
retrain and regain some of those lost relaxation skills...
What Causes Stress?
Stress can be caused by a physical or emotional change, or a change in your
environment that requires you to adjust or respond. Things that make you feel
stressed are called "stressors."
Stressors can be minor hassles, major lifestyle changes or a combination of
both. Being able to identify stressors in your life and releasing the tension
they cause are the keys to managing stress.
Below are some common stressors that can affect people at all stages of life.
Illness, either personal or of a family member or friend
- Illness, either personal or of a family member or friend.
- Death of a friend or loved one
- Problems in a personal relationship
- Work overload
- Starting a new job
- Unemployment
- Retirement
- Pregnancy
- Crowds
- Relocation
- Daily hassles
- Legal problems
- Financial concerns
- Perfectionism
Next: What are the warning signs of stress? »
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).
- Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including jaw pain, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, sweating, and more.
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