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In this Article

• Heart disease and stress introduction
• How does stress increase the risk for heart disease?
• Does stress affect everyone the same?
• What causes stress?
• What are the warning signs of stress?
• How can I cope with stress?
• How can I keep a positive attitude?
• How can I reduce my stressors?
• How can I learn how to relax?
• Guidelines for healthy eating to fight stress
• What if sleep problems are contributing to my stress
• Find a local Cardiologist in your town
• Stress and Heart Disease Index

A positive attitude and self-esteem are good defenses against stress and heart disease because they help you view stress as a challenge rather than a problem. A positive attitude keeps you in control when there are inevitable changes in your life. A positive attitude means telling yourself there are things you can do to improve certain situations and admitting that sometimes there's nothing you can do. To maintain a positive attitude during a stressful situation (or to prepare yourself for a potentially stressful situation), keep these tips in mind:

• Stay calm. Stop what you're doing. Breathe deeply. Reflect on your choices.
• Always tell yourself you can get through the situation.
• Try to be objective, realistic and flexible.
• Try to keep the situation in perspective. Think about the possible solutions. Choose one that is the most acceptable and feasible.
• Think about the outcome: Ask yourself, what is the worst possible thing that can happen? (Chances are that won't happen)
• Tell yourself that you can learn something from every situation.

While it is impossible to live your life completely stress-free, it is possible to reduce the harmful effects of certain stressors on you and your heart. Here are some suggestions:

• First identify the stressor. What's causing you to feel stressed?
• Avoid hassles and minor irritations if possible. If traffic jams cause you stress, try taking a different route, riding the train or bus, or car-pooling.
• When you experience a change in your life, try to continue doing the things that you enjoyed before the change occurred.
• Learn how to manage your time effectively, but be realistic and flexible when you plan your schedule.
• Do one thing at a time; concentrate on each task as it comes.
• Take a break when your stressors compile to an uncontrollable level.
• Ask for help if you feel that you are unable to deal with stress on your own.

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