Medically reviewed by Dr Zacharias Kounnis, Cardiologist
Stress is a natural reaction that helps us deal with challenges and threats. Everyone experiences it to some degree, but how we respond to stress, and how long it lasts, makes a big difference to our overall wellbeing and to the health of the heart.
Most people link heart disease with cholesterol, blood pressure or smoking. However, chronic stress is increasingly recognised as an important factor in cardiovascular health.
Under stress, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These trigger the "fight or flight" response: the heart beats faster and blood pressure rises. This is normal for short periods, but long-term stress places continuous strain on the cardiovascular system. Chronic stress has been associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular events.
Persistently high cortisol can also raise blood cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar, all common risk factors for heart disease, and may promote plaque build-up in the arteries.
In people who already have advanced atherosclerosis, short-term emotional stress can act as a trigger for a cardiac event. In patients with coronary heart disease, acute psychological stress can cause temporary lack of blood flow to the heart muscle (ischaemia), and long-term stress increases the risk of further events.
Stress can cause or worsen anxiety and depression, make it hard to relax or concentrate, and reduce creativity and productivity. It may also cause headaches, stomach upset, poor sleep and changes in appetite, and can increase the use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances. Too often, people treat stress as separate from their health, but it can have real physical consequences.
Stress does not always cause heart disease, but it can worsen existing heart conditions. Symptoms may include:
If these symptoms happen often, an assessment by a cardiologist is recommended.
One of the most common effects of chronic stress is raised blood pressure. Repeated rises may gradually damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Regular monitoring is especially important if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Read more in our guide to high blood pressure.
Stress and anxiety can contribute to a racing heartbeat, skipped beats or fluttering sensations. Many of these episodes are harmless, but persistent symptoms should be checked to rule out an underlying arrhythmia.
Discuss your stress levels with your cardiologist, especially if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or excess weight. Sometimes simply talking it through with your doctor is the push needed to change your lifestyle.
If stress-related symptoms become frequent or affect daily life, a cardiologist may recommend:
These tests help make sure your symptoms are not caused by an underlying heart condition.
To book an appointment with Dr Zacharias Kounnis, call +357 25 389696 or contact our cardiology centre in Limassol.
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