Heart Health

Stress is widely known to cause many physiological effects on the body and the heart is no exception. An obvious example of this is someone who experiences sudden acute stress like the death of a loved one and possibly suffering an immediate heart attack. In terms of chronic everyday stress and heart disease, the link is not properly defined. There is some research indicating that stress may trigger inflammation, which can leave you more susceptible to heart to disease. The more obvious link is stress increasing negative actions, such as overeating or indulging in alcohol. It is obvious too much stress is negative for the body, and the heart can become target in response.

In a 2005 study, Dr. Withworth mentions that Cushing’s syndrome can be a primary but more likely secondary consequence of too much cortisol in the body. For those with Cushing’s syndrome, the major cause of death is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular impacts of too much cortisol include: elevation of blood pressure, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, truncal obesity, etc. Overall, controlling stress will keep cortisol levels in the body at a normal level which will prevent the increased risk of cardiovascular consequences.

Sources:
Stress and your heart - Harvard Health. (2013, December). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/stress-and-your-heart
Whitworth, J. A., Williamson, P. M., Mangos, G., & Kelly, J. J. (2005). Cardiovascular consequences of cortisol excess. Vascular Health and Risk Management,1(4), 291-299. doi:10.2147/vhrm.2005.1.4.291