Everyone experiences stress in their own unique way and reacts to it in differently. Stress is natural and can be triggered by various factors. But when this stress becomes a chronic illness, it starts interfering with organs of the body, particularly the heart. How much stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems. This is why it’s critical to know what you should do about it, then take necessary measures to cut down the risks.
Stress and Your Heart- what happens during stress?
Stress is the root cause of death for half of the population of the world. It affects behavior and factors that increase heart disease risk such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating. Some people may choose to drink too much alcohol or smoke cigarettes to manage their chronic stress, however these habits can increase blood pressure and may damage artery walls. The body's response to stress may be a headache, back strain, or stomach pains. Stress can also alter energy levels, sleep patterns and make an individual feel cranky, forgetful and out of control.
In the event of a stressful situation the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to rise. These reactions are called involuntary reactions that prepares a body to deal with the fight and flight situations.
With persistent stress, the body remains in high gear off and on for days or weeks at a time. July being the Mental Health Awareness Month, many organizations prepares seminars and sessions to educate people to manage stress. If the situation is worse, doctors may recommend to use portable ECG monitor to keep a close watch on the heart functioning and activities. With exercise and medication stress can be reduced and an individual can feel creative and energetic again.
