By Dr. Ashish Agarwal
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In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a part of everyday life. While occasional stress is normal and sometimes even motivating, chronic stress can take a serious toll on your physical health — especially your heart.
As a leading cardiologist in Delhi, I, Dr. Ashish Agarwal, have seen firsthand how unmanaged stress can contribute to heart disease. Understanding this connection is crucial to protecting your heart and overall well-being.
When you're stressed, your body responds by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These “fight or flight” hormones temporarily raise your heart rate and blood pressure. While this response is helpful in emergency situations, prolonged activation can harm your heart in several ways:
Increased blood pressure: Persistent stress can lead to hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Inflammation: Chronic stress promotes inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and blockages.
Irregular heart rhythms: Stress can trigger arrhythmias in some people, especially those with existing heart conditions.
Irregular heart rhythms: Stress can trigger arrhythmias in some people, especially those with existing heart conditions.Lifestyle impact: Stress often leads to unhealthy behaviors like overeating, smoking, poor sleep, and lack of exercise — all of which harm your heart.
One such condition is stress cardiomyopathy (also called “broken heart syndrome”), where intense emotional stress leads to temporary heart muscle dysfunction — a condition that mimics a heart attack.
Studies have shown that individuals under chronic stress are more likely to suffer a heart attack or develop coronary artery disease. Emotional stress can also be a direct trigger for heart events in people with underlying cardiac issues.
Work pressure and deadlines
Financial worries
Family responsibilities
Major life changes (divorce, job loss, illness)
Loneliness and lack of social support
Understanding what causes your stress is the first step toward managing it effectively.
If you experience the following symptoms frequently, your heart could be under stress:
Chest pain or palpitations
Shortness of breath
Unexplained fatigue
Sleep disturbances
High blood pressure
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and strengthens your heart.
Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga reduce anxiety and calm your nervous system.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Limit processed foods and focus on heart-healthy meals.
Sleep Well: Poor sleep worsens stress and heart health. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Stay Connected: Social support from friends and family reduces emotional strain.
Seek Professional Help: Counseling or therapy can be helpful in managing long-term stress and anxiety
Limit Stimulants: Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and smoking — all can increase stress on your heart
Your heart and mind are more connected than you think. While medications and procedures treat physical heart conditions, managing stress is equally vital to preventing and controlling heart disease.
At Akash Super Speciality Hospital, we believe in treating the whole patient — not just the disease. If you’re experiencing signs of stress or have concerns about your heart health, don’t wait. Early consultation can prevent serious complications.
Take care of your heart — and your peace of mind.
Copyright © 2025 Dr. Ashish Agarwal | All Rights Reserved
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