Stress

Although it has not yet been proven whether stress is a direct cause of heart disease, several studies show an association between excess stress and heart risk, as it can alter the body's chemicals in the body.

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 study, which reviewed six studies with a sample of 118,000 people, found that stressed participants were 27% more likely to develop coronary heart disease, be hospitalized, or die from the disease.

According to the study, conducted by scientists from Columbia University's Medical Center, the increased heart risk from stress is equivalent to smoking five cigarettes a day. This effect could be explained by the fact that 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 the heart's oxygen demand increases, making it work harder. This need for oxygen can cause chest pain in heart patients.

It is also known that there is a direct relationship between hormone levels and stress. In stressful situations, the nervous system releases more hormones—such as adrenaline or cortisol—that raise blood pressure, potentially damaging the inner lining of the arteries, causing them to harden or thicken, which could lead to arteriosclerosis.

There is also evidence that stress could increase blood cholesterol levels, according to several studies. In 2006, British scientists from University College London, in a study involving about thirty men who had suffered heart attacks or severe chest pains due to stress, discovered that stressful situations can elevate blood pressure for an extended period.

This increase in pressure causes elevated platelet levels. Platelets, produced in the bone marrow, play a significant role in clotting, but they can also cause blockages in a coronary artery, leading to a heart attack.

Stress Symptoms

Stress is the body's response to changes, which can be triggered by various life situations (illnesses, hormonal changes, family or work conflicts, excessive responsibilities). Not all stressful situations are bad. The key is to manage stress properly.

The most common symptom of stress is anxiety. Other physical symptoms may include fatigue, crying, headaches, palpitations, tachycardia, a feeling of impending death, shortness of breath, or instability. Stress can also cause mental issues like attention deficit, lack of concentration, or memory problems.