Stress and Heart Health: How Psychological Stress Impacts Your Cardiovascular System
Psychological stress, a common experience in modern life, triggers complex physiological changes designed to maintain balance (homeostasis). However, chronic mental stress can significantly impact your cardiovascular health, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Effects of Stress:
- Platelet activation: Stress can make blood platelets “stickier,” increasing the risk of blood clots.
- Coagulation factor changes: Alterations in blood clotting factors can further contribute to clot formation.
- Endothelial dysfunction: Stress can damage the lining of blood vessels, impairing their ability to function properly.
- Redox imbalance: An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
- Sterile inflammatory response: Stress can trigger inflammation throughout the body, a key factor in CVD.
- Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure as a result of release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol triggered by stress.
- Stress leads to unhealthy habit coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, all of which negatively impact heart health.
These stress-induced changes can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure), heart attacks, and strokes. Understanding the link between stress and heart disease is crucial for proactive heart health management.
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