Stress and Heart Disease

• Since the late 1950s, stress has been scientifically linked to heart disease. It makes logical sense that stress, which causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise, would in large quantities and over a period of many years put strain on the heart. A 1958 study by Ray H. Rosenman and Meyer Friedman showed a link between stress and coronary heart disease, and many studies since have corroborated that evidence. While stress causes many conditions that contribute to heart disease, the direct link between stress and heart disease hasn't been medically identified. The proof right now lies in that people who have abundant stress more frequently have heart disease, and those who have less stress have less chance of heart disease. What has not been determined is if the stress itself leads to the disease or if the stress-related conditions lead to the disease.
  
  

Indirect Impact of Stress

• There are many repercussions in the body from the presence of abundant stress that may lead to heart attacks. Chronic stress leads to very elevated levels of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol which may put extra strain on the body. Cortisol has been connected with excess weight gain, which is often connected with the development of cardiovascular disease. Stress often causes people to attempt to fight this condition with a cover-up effect of smoking, alcohol and overeating. All three of these "band-aid" methods contribute to heart disease. In some cases, stress has been known to cause chest pain and irregular heartbeats. It has also been linked to changing the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to a possible heart attack. A strange but true fact is that more heart attacks occur on Monday than on any other day of the week, the day that is most often association with an end to relaxation and the beginning of a stressful five days in a row.
  
  

Dealing With Stress

• There have been many methods recommended for dealing with the stress. The most common are changes in diet and exercise. By removing alcohol and caffeine from the diet and adding a steady exercise routine, balanced blood sugar and positive mood hormones like endorphins make stress much easier on people. Relaxation in the form of meditation, yoga, self-reflection and martial arts forms like Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been linked to a reduction in stress and stress related hormones. Keeping a positive attitude using methods like asserting gratitude, promoting love, and thinking of the ideal end result, can also lead to a consistently lower amount of stress. Consult with your doctor if you feel as though you are enduring a dangerous level of stress in your life.