Stress Can Impact Your Heart Health; Know How It Increases Risk Of High Blood Pressure And Heart Disease

Stress is a natural reaction that occurs when your body experiences changes or challenges (stressors). Stress helps you adjust to new situations and can be good for you as it keeps you alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. Stress is a natural response when your body senses some kind of challenge or demand which activates the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. When this response gets activated, your body starts to release hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones help you to manage your stress and in the short term, stress can be beneficial. However, chronic stress can affect different parts of your body, including your heart. Stress triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster, temporarily raising blood pressure. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent high blood pressure and add strain to your cardiovascular system.

Here, take a look at how stress increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Increased Cortisol LevelsStress triggers the release of cortisol which is the hormone that increases blood pressure. Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to persistent high blood pressure, contributing to hypertension. Activates the Sympathetic Nervous System Stress activates the ‘fight or flight’ response which increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels. When this system gets activated repeatedly, it can lead to high blood pressure permanently, thereby, straining the cardiovascular system. Endothelial DysfunctionStress causes dysfunction in the endothelium which is the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to reduced nitric oxide production. This reduces the ability of the blood vessels to relax, leading to increased blood pressure and heart disease risk. Increased InflammationChronic stress leads to inflammation which plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries). This narrows blood vessels, thereby, making it difficult for blood to flow, thereby, increasing the risk of heart disease. Increased Blood GlucoseStress leads to the release of glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy. Over time, when you have persistent high blood sugar levels, it increases the risk of insulin resistance. This is a factor that leads to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Unhealthy Coping MechanismsStress can lead to unhealthy behaviours like overeating, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, all of which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Increased Risk of Plaque FormationStress can accelerate the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes as narrowed arteries can impact blood flow to the heart.