Chronic Stress 

You may have heard, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out,” by Robert Collier. Or the ancient Chinese proverb, “In every crisis, there is opportunity,” and “Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time.” The drive for self-fulfillment, productivity and financial freedom may sometimes lead to a temporary or sustained imbalance of our physical and emotional well-being. The short-term sacrifice may allow us to reap great rewards. However, what happens when our work and home lives remain stressful for extended periods of time?

Mental stress, specifically, can be a substantial risk factor for heart disease. How exactly does stress affect the body? While researchers are still learning the specific causative pathways, it is believed stressful situations cause the body to release adrenaline, a hormone that increases your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. While this fight or flight response is necessary to deal with the stressful situation, chronically elevated blood pressures, heart rates and breathing rates can lead to an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke. Stress may also lead to increased inflammation in blood vessels around areas of fatty deposits and lead to new or worsening heart disease.

Stress can also contribute to poor health behaviors, which are linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as overeating, smoking, decreased physical activity and unhealthy diet, being overweight and not taking medications as prescribed.

During emotional and mental stress, the smaller blood vessels are also affected, known as the body’s microcirculation, and play a role in heart disease. This difference is particularly important in women who have more of an exaggerated response, with worse outcomes versus men, particularly young and middle-aged women. In studies, women aged 50 or younger had twice the amount of decreased blood flow to heart muscle during emotional and mental stress compared to men.

Even among those with chronic stable coronary artery disease, during mental stress, changes in the smaller blood vessels can be seen with adverse health outcomes. Provocative researchers are developing a Cardiovascular Reactivity Score (CRS) with data from the Mental Stress Ischemia Prognosis Study (MIPS) to identify those at increased risk so this risk can be addressed and possibly prevented.

Addressing our overall mental health is an important step toward preventing the unwanted physiological effects of stress on our bodies.

Members of the Forbes Coaches Council reflected on how emotional intelligence plays a role in managing our emotions during stressful situations. They recommend strategies that can help, including learning triggers and taming them, creating distance, confiding in someone you trust, responding and not reacting, building resilience and focusing on your passion. Mental health professionals can also help give you ongoing support and tools for managing work-related stress and/or anxiety.

At AdventHealth, our whole-person approach to wellness acknowledges health is more than the prevention of disease. It is a balance of mind, body, spirit and relationships.⁹ 

I encourage you to talk about your stress level with your primary care provider and care team and together, you can create a plan to help you manage your stress and improve your overall health.

Dr. Rachel Harris

AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Rome

706-368-8500

 https://www.adventhealth.com/find-doctor/doctor/rachel-harris-md-mph-facc-1457528648

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Bio:

Dr. Rachel Harris, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist with a focus in cardiac imaging at AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Rome. She is passionate about heart health, disease prevention, women’s heart care and helping build a healthier community. In her spare time, Dr. Harris enjoys biking, reading and singing.