Emotional stress is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Since 2012, this is how it appears in the European Guide to Cardiovascular Prevention, but medical practice has recommended for decades that we pay attention to this process, which is a response of the body and mind to some threat or challenge, but if it is established regularly in our lives, it can end up affecting our physical and mental health and, of course, our heart. That is why specialist doctors recommend its approach as a preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases.
The Texas Heart Institute, an independent, nonprofit organization based in Houston and dedicated to spreading the importance of cardiovascular health, divides cardiovascular risk factors into two groups: the main ones, those whose effect on increasing risk has been proven (this includes cholesterol and hypertension or family history), and contributors, those that may lead to increased risk but whose exact role has not been scientifically defined. Stress falls into this category.
According to a 2021 Health survey by the Spanish Heart Foundation (ESFEC), stress (17.4%) is already more prevalent as a cardiovascular risk factor than, for example, smoking (15.9%). When breaking down the data, stress appears as the third risk factor among women, with 21.8%, the second among young people between 16 and 35 years old, with 20%, only behind smoking.
Stress can stress our heart in various ways, as it causes physiological changes: it increases heart rate and blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, causes inflammation in the body and in extreme cases causes arrhythmias. Additionally, the blood thickens and the arteries become less reactive or elastic; Harmful substances accumulate in its walls, so that blood circulates with greater difficulty and blood flow to the heart is reduced, which is forced to work more intensely.
Furthermore, when a person is stressed, they tend to do things that are more harmful to the heart: such as smoking, drinking more alcohol, having bad eating habits and reducing physical activity, which adds to a worse night's rest.
There are several types of stress, and the important thing is to recognize, manage and treat them. Emotional stress must be differentiated from physical stress and acute stress. The latter is caused by bad news or a loss and can cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. This is what is called broken heart syndrome, which affects only part of the heart and the rest continues to function. It is usually a temporary condition that is usually treated with medication. Physical stress is caused by the development of a disease, an acute infection or trauma, while emotional stress is that which is caused by anguish and worries.
Recognizing the latter through its varied symptoms - discomfort and stomach problems, lack of concentration, insomnia, headaches, anxiety and mood changes among others - is the first step in trying to manage it through exercise, meditation, changing lifestyle habits towards healthier ones and avoiding sources of stress. When the symptoms worsen or last over time, it is time to consult a doctor, who will normally refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
