Although it has not yet been proven that stress directly causes heart disease, several studies show an association between excessive stress and heart risk, because it can alter the body's chemical substances.
People exposed to high levels of daily stress are more likely to develop heart disease, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. The research, which reviewed six studies and included a sample of 118,000 people, revealed that stressed participants were 27% more likely to suffer from coronary disease, be hospitalized, or die from the disease.
According to the study, conducted by scientists at the Columbia University Medical Center, the increased heart risk from stress is equivalent to smoking five cigarettes a day. This effect could be explained because stress raises hormone levels in the blood, which can damage the heart.
Why is stress harmful to the heart?
It is known that stress causes changes in our body. When we are stressed, muscles tense up, heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, the heart beats faster, and oxygen demand by the heart increases, which makes the heart work harder. This oxygen demand can cause angina in heart patients.
It is also known that there is a direct relationship between increased hormones and stress. In stressful situations, the nervous system releases more hormones—such as adrenaline and cortisol—that raise blood pressure, potentially damaging the inner lining of arteries, causing them to harden or thicken, which could lead to arteriosclerosis.
There is also evidence that stress may increase blood cholesterol levels, according to several studies. In 2006, British scientists from University College London conducted a study with about thirty men who had suffered heart attacks or acute chest pain as a result of stress. They found that stressful situations can elevate blood pressure over a prolonged period.
This increased pressure causes elevated platelet levels. Produced in the bone marrow, platelets play a very important role in clotting but can also cause a blockage in a heart artery, producing a heart attack.
Symptoms of stress
Stress is the body's response to changes and can be triggered by different situations in a person's life (illnesses, hormonal changes, family or work conflicts, excessive responsibilities). Not all stress situations are bad. What matters is managing stress properly.
The most common symptom of stress is anxiety. Other physical symptoms can include fatigue, crying, headaches, palpitations, tachycardia, feelings of impending death, shortness of breath, or instability. Stress can also cause mental changes such as attention deficit, lack of concentration, or memory problems.
How to manage stress
If you control stress, you can improve your emotional and physical health. Following these recommendations will help prevent it:
- Try to reduce stimulants (coffee, alcohol, tobacco).
- Avoid stressful factors.
- Exercise or go for a walk.
- Take regular breaks.
- Enjoy relaxing music.
- Get used to breathing slowly and relaxed; it will help your muscles relax.
- It is best to eat well: reduce foods with fats, sugar, and salt.
The brands Beybies, Pura+ and NrgyBlast belong to Avimex de Colombia SAS. All products have quality certifications and valid sanitary registrations and are manufactured under the strictest international standards. To purchase our products, you can visit our Online Shop. All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee.
