Is Stress Taking a Toll on Your Heart?

No matter what our role in life, stress can easily be a part of everyones day if we let it. However, with February being American Heart Month, our in-home care providers at Qualicare ” Tri Cities want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to help lower your stress levels, and ultimately reduce your risk of heart disease.

The Relationship Between Heart Disease and Stress

When many people think about heart disease, they think it is caused by family history, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc. And while these risk factors are correctly associated with heart disease, daily stress can also take a toll on a persons heart and, therefore, lead to heart disease, too!

There is a chain of reaction that occurs when the body is under stress. When someone experiences stress, adrenaline is released from the body, which causes a persons breathing and heart rate to speed up, as well as his or her blood pressure to rise. An increased heart rate and blood pressure level, especially when it happens for days and weeks at a time, can cause damage to the artery walls, making it easier for a person to suffer from heart disease.

As a result, it is important to learn how to manage your stress and avoid those stressful feelings that lead to a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. While some people can utilize relaxation techniques and exercise to help lower their stress levels, others need additional help, especially if anxiety is playing a role.

If you are unsure whether you suffer from stress, anxiety, or both, make an appointment with your physician to undergo a physical exam, as well as discuss certain medications that might be helpful in controlling your stress and anxiety.

Is stress getting to be too much when trying to take care of your loved one? Talk to the in-home care provider team at Qualicare – Tri Cities today to learn how our qualified care team can help care for both you and your loved one.