For several years now, there has been stories in the media that have discussed the link between stress and heart disease. The link is that your risk of heart disease increases when you are under constant and long-term stress. One way to relate to this would be to think of how burnt-out your mind can feel when you are under stress. Same thing goes for your heart.
In this article, I will provide you with information about stress, how it affects your body, and in particular, why it affects your heart.
Stress is considered to be something you are in control of (even though it may not feel like it sometimes) when it comes to preventing heart disease. Some people tend to bring on more stress themselves just in their attitude and approach to life, and in how they respond to what life brings their way. I can honestly say this, because I am a Type A personality. Learning to let go of a lot of things beyond my control that were causing me stress, made a huge difference in my well-being.
Of course, how you react to the event also plays a role in how much stress your body can handle. Have you ever noticed how different people respond differently to the same situation?
Stress is known for decreasing your body’s immune system and ability to fight infection, so you may notice that you experience more colds than is normal. It can leave you feeling very tired and exhausted, both mentally and physically. These are some things that you may notice, but what you may not notice is that your heart is having to work harder during times of stress. Your blood pressure goes up, as does your blood sugar, and your heart rate. These occur as the result of two hormones in your body.
Things that you may not notice, in addition to the high heart rate, is that your blood pressure will go up, and your blood sugar levels rise. These things are the result of two hormones in your body, called adrenaline and cortisol. When the stress is not turned off, they continue to be secreted. Adrenaline and cortisol are helpful for dealing with short-term stress events for supplying your body with the necessary oxygen and nutrients needed to deal with the stressful situation. However, when these hormones continue to be secreted, your body does not shut itself off. Your heart is working steadily and more forcefully than it has to, and this is what can harm it. Fatty plaques are increased in the heart’s arteries, and your heart can become weaker over time. Often, people will have heart attacks during times of prolonged stress.
That is why it becomes so important to recognize that you are stressed, and to take steps to reduce the stress in your life. Figure out things that you can change in your life to get rid of the stress, and do things that take your mind off of the stress in your life.
To conclude, realize that any kind of stress, when prolonged, can be bad for your body and your heart. You need to learn how to recognize it so that you can start making positive changes that eliminate or reduce it. Your heart will be happy you did!
Learn more ways to take care of your heart by checking out my Heart Vitamins blog for tips, resources, and heart vitamins, as well as to pick up your FREE report of The Cholesterol Theory - A Tragedy to Health, located on my main page .
