The surprising connection between stress and heart disease — and how to break it
Stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease.
“Stress can cause increased inflammation in the body that can lead to increasing plaque in the arteries, leading to coronary artery disease (CAD),” said Christina O’Guinn, FNP. “This can lead to heart attack, arrhythmias and even heart failure.”
The nurse practitioner at Salem Health Cardiology said that inflammation can occur in several different ways.
How stress causes heart disease
"When you are constantly stressed, it increases your catecholamines, which are hormones that are made in the adrenal glands,” said O’Guinn. “Adrenaline is one of those hormones known also as the ’fight or flight’ hormone. This hormone can cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure. If this happens long-term, it can start to damage the heart.”
O’Guinn said the hormone cortisol can also increase blood pressure and blood sugar, leading to weight gain.
How to lower your risk level
The good news is, there are ways to combat stress to lower your risk of heart disease.
“Exercising releases endorphins that can improve stress and mood,” said O’Guinn. “Getting enough sleep can also help improve mood as well as enhance stress resilience. Eating better can reduce stress caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Meditation can train the brain to stay calm during stressful situations.”
The nurse practitioner recommends checking in with a primary care provider to find out if stress levels are impacting your heart health.
“Symptoms that may need to be addressed include chest pain, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath,” said O’Guinn. “If there is anything concerning found in lab work or an echocardiogram, you may be referred to a cardiologist to evaluate.”
Your path to cardiac care
From heart attacks and high blood pressure to heart disease and failure — we’re here to address your cardiology concerns at Salem Health. Learn more about our team and the steps we can take to get your health back on track.