Symptoms Of Stress On Heart

Stress, no doubt, has a negative effect on our overall health but the most common organ to be affected by stress is our heart. Both emotional, as well as physical stress, have a deleterious effect on the health of the heart.

Types of Stress

Stress can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is of sudden onset and is only for a short period of time but chronic stress develops gradually that can be due to emotional disturbance or long-term familial problems.

Stress increases the catecholamine levels in the body that adversely affects our vascular system. As a result of stress, there is an increase in the oxygen demand and if the body fails to meet that increased demand of oxygen then it might prove fatal.

Common Causes of Stress

1. Stress related to work or office stress

2. Stress due to financial problems

3. Illness stress

4. Death of near and dear ones

5. Unemployment or termination of job

6. Relocating in an area where you don’t know anyone

7. Stress due to school or college (performance stress)

Symptoms of Stress

Stress can lead to dizziness, pain in the chest, loss of interest in daily activities, staying alone in a closed room, grinding teeth, headache, irritation, sudden weight gain or weight loss, forgetting things, getting confused, and not able to make decisions, memory loss, depression, getting angry over small things, pessimistic approach and increased consumption of alcohol and other drugs.

Effect of Stress on Heart

As said above, the heart is the prime organ affected by stress. Here are some of the effects seen on the heart due to stress:

1. Heart Arrhythmias i.e. irregular heart rate

2. Hypertension

3. Increased heart rate

4. Dyspnoea i.e. difficulty in breathing

5. Pain in the chest

The mechanism by Which Stress Affects Our Heart

Stress increases the levels of adrenaline and cortisol that increases blood pressure. In short-run, it is advantageous but in a long run, it damages the heart and increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.

How to Manage Stress

Here are some of the easy tips to manage stress:

1. Don’t let situations take a toll on you. Handle each situation by being calm and composed.

2. Take a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies.

3. Avoid smoking and consume alcohol in moderation.

4. Do meditation daily.

5. Discuss your problems with near and dear ones.

6. If you feel that no one can help you talk to a counselor.

Remember life is precious and we get it only once. Nothing is permanent and this rule applies to stress also. Live every moment happily and always give your best.