Stress can affect your heart health: Learn how it increases your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease

Stress is a natural reaction that occurs when the body experiences changes or challenges (stressors). Stress helps you adapt to new situations and can be beneficial to your health by keeping you alert, motivated, and prepared to avoid danger. Stress is a natural response that occurs when the body detects some type of challenge or demand that triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response.

When this response is triggered, the body begins to release hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones help manage stress, and in the short term, stress can be beneficial. However, chronic stress can affect different parts of the body, including the heart.

Stress triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which cause blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster, temporarily increasing blood pressure. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent high blood pressure and increase strain on the cardiovascular system.

Here, see how stress increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.

Increased cortisol levels

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, the hormone that increases blood pressure. Chronically elevated levels of cortisol can lead to persistent high blood pressure, which contributes to hypertension.

Activates the sympathetic nervous system

Stress triggers the “fight or flight” response, which increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels. When this system is repeatedly activated, it can lead to permanent high blood pressure, which puts stress on the cardiovascular system.

Endothelial dysfunction

Stress causes dysfunction in the endothelium, which is the inner lining of blood vessels, which reduces the production of nitric oxide. This reduces the ability of blood vessels to relax, leading to increased blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Increased inflammation

Chronic stress causes inflammation, which plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). This narrows blood vessels, thereby impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease.

Increased blood glucose

Stress triggers the release of glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy. Over time, when you have persistently high blood sugar levels, you are at increased risk for insulin resistance. This is a factor that leads to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms

Stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption, all of which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Increased risk of plaque formation

Stress can accelerate plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes because narrowed arteries can affect blood flow to the heart.