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Relieving stress could save your heart! |
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February is National Heart Month! Although the link between stress and heart disease is still being investigated, preliminary evidence suggests that stress may contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke. Feeling stressed increases the production of certain hormones in the blood. Although useful in small amounts, an excess of these hormones, continuously and over time, can damage the arteries and the heart muscle and lead to the development of high blood pressure. A person who has a higher than normal stress level may find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some people respond by overeating, eating unhealthy foods, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, or smoking. Attempting to manage stress through these behaviours merely increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It is important to be aware of your personal stressers. Coping effectively requires an understanding of the situations we perceive to be stressful. Stress triggers can be work related, family problems or even something as simple as a traffic jam may be the culprit. Once you have identified the causes, a person should recognize the symptoms of stress. These may include anything from increased heart rate, rapid breathing and sweating, to fatigue. It is important to pay attention to these warning signs. There are several things you can do to alleviate stress. Try taking deep breaths, going for a brief walk, or stretching your muscles. Physical exercise is an excellent stress reliever. If you have unavoidable stress in your life, exercise is vital in order to maintain balance. One of the main reasons a person experiences stress is they start feeling a loss of control in their lives. It is important to remember that stress itself can be controlled. Visit your family doctor if you think that the stress in your life may be contributing to poor heart health. It's your body, take control! For more information on heart disease and managing stress, please visit : |
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Relieving stress could save your heart! 1485KB | MP3 format |
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Media Line Toll-free : 1-888-414-4774 In Toronto : 416-314-6197 |
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