MIND YOUR STRESS. LOVE YOUR HEART.
STRESS SOUNDS NEGATIVE…. FEELS NEGATIVE. Then why do we linger on it? Why not surround ourselves with positivity? Human nature is the reason for keeping it, embracing it. Well! It’s not a good habit, if you ask me.
Today, I am here to make you aware of a major (common) problem called STRESS, and how it is related to our hearts. Not many of us know about how Psychological Stress can impact our Hearts. We all have heard many times, people warning us about not taking on too much tension or stress, as it can cause heart problems or risk of a heart attack.
Well! Can stress really kill us from a heart attack? Not surprisingly, the answer depends on the type of stress and the age of the people involved.
Most of us know that younger adults, experiencing either acute or chronic stress, can easily come out of it. They are strong and flexible. But for older adults, living with chronic stress for years, even an acute stressor can set off a heart attack. In younger healthy people, acute stress can cause short-term problems that often fade away as the stressors do, but older adults already with cardiac problems, stressors (acute), even the positive ones, can have serious health problems.
Stress not only impedes our physical health but also affects our mental well-being. The stressors can be internal or external. The source of Stress can be financial, psychological or social. It. affects our cognition, emotions, behaviour and personality. Sometimes, stress can even cause psychological disorders. That only happens if an acute stress is left untreated and evolves into chronic stress after a decade of carrying it. But not necessary that everyone who has stress will have a disorder. It can only be diagnosed if there is a predisposing factor (a strong genetic component) attached to stress.
When we take stress, our muscles get tensed, the blood flow to our heart decreases, and the adrenal glands release the stress hormone, Cortisol, to deal with our stress. If our body is unable to regulate the cortisol levels, the ability to recover from stress is compromised and this can negatively impact the immune system.
People with Hypertension and Cardiovascular diseases have been reported to have chronic stress. Psychological stress is a risk factor in hypertension, and people with hypertension are more likely to develop plaque formation in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, increasing the likelihood of future cardiac problems. Stress can cause chronic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which may lead to heart attacks. Both acute and chronic stress have short and long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
Any traumatic events, catastrophes, or exciting sports events can cause heart attacks. Stress is a common problem these days. It’s even astonishing to see children under stress. Even after reading this, we all might feel a bit stressed.
LISTEN TO THIS, Our heart is important like any other organ, and it is the first to get affected. It’s time we changed the way we deal with stress. We bring home the ‘work stress’ and transfer it to other family members or friends. It’s termed as Stress Crossover. Don’t do that.
Stress is contagious in relationships. It impairs self-regulation. We shall stop ruminating on our stressful thoughts. We must change our perception and start dealing with stress more positively and effectively. Learn good ways to help yourself.
Make social connections, voluntarily do things for people, exercise, take a mindful break, stay calm and breathe.
For more help and information, visit a counsellor.
Stay happy. Stay Healthy.
