Stress and the risk of heart disease - Dr. Majid Faraji

Introduction In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an inseparable part of life. From work and academic pressures to financial and family concerns, they can all increase the level of stress in the body. While a small amount of stress can prepare us to face challenges, chronic and persistent stress can have devastating effects on the body's health, especially on the cardiovascular system.

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and research has shown that long-term stress plays a key role in aggravating or causing these diseases. In this article, we will examine in simple language how stress affects the heart, how it is related to heart diseases, and how to prevent them by controlling stress.

What is stress and what effect does it have on the body?

Stress is actually the body's natural response to threatening or challenging situations. In times of stress, the body enters a standby mode by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol; A state called the "fight or flight" reaction.

In the short term, this reaction may be beneficial, increasing focus, energy, and reaction speed. But when stress is long-term or chronic, the body remains on alert, and this can damage the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems over time.

Chronic stress causes increased heart rate, narrowing of blood vessels and high blood pressure. It also disrupts the body's chemical balance and maintains high cortisol levels in the blood; A condition that is very dangerous for heart health.

The effects of stress on the heart and blood vessels

When we are stressed, the body constricts the blood vessels for a quick reaction so that more blood can reach the vital organs. But if this situation becomes permanent, high blood pressure (hypertension) is created; One of the main causes of heart attack and stroke.

Hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released during stress to increase the body's energy. They are useful in the short term, but in the long term, they cause thickening of the walls of the vessels, decrease the flexibility of the vessels, and even change the structure of the heart muscle.

One of the important consequences of stress is inflammation in the body. This inflammation can eventually cause damage to the vessel wall and accelerate the formation of fatty plaques; a process that eventually leads to atherosclerosis.

Many people resort to unhealthy habits when stressed: overeating, smoking or alcohol, inactivity or lack of sleep. These behaviors not only reduce stress, but also increase the risk of heart diseases.

Severe stress can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats are sometimes harmless and sometimes life-threatening. In people who have a history of heart disease, this situation can be very dangerous.

How is stress related to heart diseases?

Research has shown that chronic stress can directly or indirectly cause or aggravate heart diseases. In the following, we mention the most important of these diseases:

🔹 heart attack

During stress, the release of stress hormones increases heart rate and blood pressure. If a person has narrowing of blood vessels or fatty plaques in the arteries, this sudden pressure may cause the plaque to rupture and block the coronary arteries and cause a heart attack.

🔹 High blood pressure

Continuous stress keeps the sympathetic nervous system overactive. As a result, blood vessels remain constricted and blood pressure remains chronically high. Controlling stress can be one of the easiest ways to prevent high blood pressure.

🔹 Atherosclerosis

As a result of stress and inflammation, fat and cholesterol are deposited in the walls of blood vessels and blood flow decreases. Over time, this condition leads to a decrease in blood supply to the heart and increases the possibility of heart attacks and strokes.

🔹 broken heart syndrome

There is an interesting and scientific phenomenon called "broken heart syndrome" (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy), which occurs due to severe emotional stress or sudden shock. In this case, part of the heart temporarily loses its function, while there is no blockage in the vessels. This phenomenon shows that human emotions and psyche can really have a direct effect on heart function.

Scientific solutions to reduce stress and protect the heart

🧘‍♀️ 1. Regular exercise

Exercise not only reduces stress, but also increases the release of happy hormones (endorphins). Walking, cycling, swimming or even dancing can calm the mind and keep the heart healthy. Suggestion: do 30 minutes of mild or moderate physical activity a day.

🌿 2. Healthy eating

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats (such as olive oil and avocados) supports heart health. Avoid consuming too much sugar, salt and processed foods. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flax seeds) reduces body inflammation.

💤 3. enough sleep

Lack of sleep increases cortisol levels and blood pressure. Sufficient night sleep (7 to 8 hours) is one of the most effective ways to control stress and maintain heart health.

🕊 4. Exercises to calm the mind

Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and mindfulness are techniques that have been proven to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce the body's stress response.

🤝 5. Social connection and emotional support

Discussion with friends, family or even psychological counseling can have a significant effect on reducing stress. Strong social connection is associated with longer life expectancy and lower risk of heart disease.

🎯 6. Time management and attitude change

Sometimes stress is caused by a large amount of work or high expectations from yourself. Learning time management skills, prioritizing tasks and looking at life realistically can reduce mental pressure.

Summary and practical recommendations

Stress is a natural part of life, but if we don't manage it, it can become a dangerous enemy for the heart. Research shows that people who exercise regularly, have a healthy diet, and use methods to calm the mind, are at 40% less risk of heart disease.

To have a healthy heart:

• Identify and control stress.
• Pay attention to your nutrition and sleep.
• Take advantage of the emotional support of those around you.
• Set aside time for relaxation and reflection every day.

Finally, as cardiologists say:

Heart health starts with a calm mind.

🔗 Authentic scientific sources

1. Mayo Clinic – Stress and Heart Disease
2. American Heart Association – How stress affects your heart
3. Harvard Health Publishing – The impact of stress on your heart
4. Cleveland Clinic – Stress and Heart Disease Connection

NIH – Chronic stress and cardiovascular disease risk

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