We've all dealt with it at some point: stress. Whether it's due to work pressure, family circumstances or financial worries, stress sometimes seems unavoidable. But what many people don't know is that long-term stress your heart quite literally puts to the test.
In this blog, you'll read how stress affects your heart, which signals you should take seriously, and how our medical centre can help with a specialised cardiology investigation pathway: our Cardio Pathway.
What does stress do to your body?
Stress activates an ancient survival mechanism: the fight-or-flightReply.
Your body is preparing for action:
- Your heart rate increases
- Your blood pressure is increasing
- Your blood vessels are constricting
- Your breathing is quickening
- Your body produces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol
Useful when you are facing a dangerous situation. But chronic stress, over weeks or months, sets your body under pressure and your heart takes the full brunt of it.
What are the consequences for your heart?
Prolonged stress can contribute to all sorts of cardiovascular problems, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Accelerated hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
In some cases, severe emotional stress even leads to Broken heart syndrome (Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning): a temporary weakening of the heart muscle that resembles a heart attack.
Do you recognise stress-related heart conditions?
Please note the following signals:
- Heart palpitations or a pounding feeling
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath, even at rest
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Poor sleep or becoming overstimulated quickly
If you have one or more of these symptoms, and especially if they are accompanied by stress or tension, it is advisable to have your heart checked.
Our Cardio Pathway: accessible and quick insight
At our medical centre, we offer a specialised care programme for people with (potentially) stress-related heart problems: the Cardio Pathway.
This process aims to provide clarity on the condition of your heart within a short period.
It consists of the following parts:
- ECG in rust
An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of your heart at rest. This provides information about your heart rate, rhythm, and potential abnormalities. - ECG with exertion (stress ECG)
During a bicycle stress test, your heart activity is measured whilst your body is active. This reveals any underlying problems that cannot be detected at rest, such as a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle or heart rhythm disturbances during exercise. - Personal advice and follow-up
The results will then be discussed with our cardiologist. You will receive clear and personal advice and the opportunity to ask all your questions.
What can you do yourself to take the strain off your heart?
As well as medical check-ups, there’s a lot you can do yourself:
- Move daily: preferably moderate-intensity (walking, cycling, swimming)
- To read and relax: through breathing, meditation or mindfulness
- Get enough sleepat least 7 hours per night
- Talk about what's on your mindwith someone you trust
- Avoid unhealthy habits: such as smoking, overeating or alcohol
Take your complaints seriously
You don't need to have extreme complaints to have your heart checked. Chronic stress can build up silently for years. The sooner you address it, the better. Caring for your heart starts with listening to yourself.
Are there any signs that cause you concern? Would you like to know how your heart reacts to stress? If so, please book an appointment for our Cardio Pathway. Our cardiologists here to help with research, explanations and guidance.
Would you like more information or to make an appointment directly? Contact us on our telephone number 03/318.70.70 or via our email address [email protected].