6. Stress: The Silent Saboteur
Next on our list is stress, a risk factor that may often go unnoticed. The connection between chronic stress and heart attacks might not be as direct as some of the other causes we’ve discussed, but it’s no less significant. In fact, chronic stress can lead to habits and behaviors that increase heart disease risk, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and overeating.
Chronic stress elicits a cascade of physiological changes in the body. The “fight or flight” response is triggered, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that temporarily boost the body’s energy production.
They increase heart rate and blood pressure, preparing the body to respond to the perceived threat. When stress is acute, these changes are short-lived, but in chronic stress, they can persist over time, potentially leading to damage to the blood vessels and heart.
Furthermore, stress can influence behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk. It can drive individuals to cope using unhealthy habits, like smoking, consuming excess alcohol, or overeating, leading to obesity—all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Managing stress, then, is a critical piece of the heart health puzzle. Effective stress management involves a variety of strategies, including regular physical activity, healthy eating, getting adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. Additionally, seeking professional help from a psychologist or counselor can be beneficial in providing tools and techniques to cope with stress effectively. (6)
