Is stress hurting your heart? A doctor discusses symptoms and solutions.
Stress can be caused by many things, including bad traffic, deadlines and hardship.
“There are different types of stress,” explains Fady Gabra, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Keck Medicine of USC. “Acute stress, triggered by unexpected events, can last up to a week. Chronic stress, meanwhile, can last for months or years.”
Both kinds of stress can seriously impact your heart.
How stress affects your heart health
Stress can affect the heart in subtle ways. Key signs that can indicate this is happening include:
- An elevated heart rate (above 95-100 beats per minute)
- Changes in eating habits
- Increased blood pressure (10-20 mmHg above normal)
Women may also experience symptoms like arm pain, nausea and fatigue.
When to see a doctor about stress and heart symptoms
Dr. Gabra advises against dismissing any chest pain as “just stress” without proper medical evaluation. Seeking care is important because stress can both mimic and trigger heart problems.
When evaluating patients, Dr. Gabra looks at the whole picture:
- Heart disease risk factors
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Lifestyle
- Recent stressors
He encourages patients to be open with their physician about current stressors in their lives. Doing so helps your doctor differentiate stress-related symptoms from cardiac conditions and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Treating stress-related heart problems
Treatment for stress-related heart problems can range from immediate to long-term and is tailored to your unique case.
For immediate crushing chest pressure, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care. Medications may be prescribed to address immediate stress-induced effects.
Patients will also be advised to find ways to lessen stress and improve coping strategies. Dr. Gabra advises finding stress management solutions that work for you, whether it’s mindfulness and meditation, regular exercise, spiritual practice or time spent with family and friends.
Exercise is also key. Dr. Gabra recommends getting 60 minutes of exercise three times weekly for healthy people, aiming for the following:
- Maintaining heart rate at about 80% of maximum during exercise
- Starting slowly, especially if there are concerns about heart risks
- Using a standing desk if possible
- Walking 10 minutes hourly if sitting for long periods at work
Managing stress also takes a team approach and includes mental health support and regular medical check-ups.
Dr. Gabra advises not using over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements without medical supervision due to potential problems or drug interactions.
Protect your heart from stress
Guarding your heart from stress is an ongoing process. Dr. Gabra emphasizes starting with the basics: knowing your normal patterns for heart rate, blood pressure, energy levels and daily habits. Building on this foundation, he recommends maintaining regular exercise, eating well and nurturing social connections. Most importantly, identify your personal stress triggers and develop strategies early on.
Regular check-ups and open communication with your health care provider will help you stay on track with your long-term heart health goals. By implementing these strategies, individuals can take meaningful steps towards protecting their heart health and managing stress effectively in the long run.
Topics