The doctor spoke about the effects of stress on heart health

Stress has a devastating effect on the cardiovascular system, even if its effects are not obvious at first glance. Evgeny Kokin, cardiologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about this on August 21.

"Stress is not just an emotion. It's a daily attack on your heart. He sneaks up unnoticed, but the consequences are fatal. Every day without stress control can bring you closer to a life—changing diagnosis," the specialist said.

Kokin said that when we encounter nervous situations, our body reacts to them with an adrenaline rush, which can trigger a blood pressure spike, cardiac arrhythmia and inflammatory processes in the blood vessels.

First of all, stress affects blood pressure levels. Increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol accelerate the work of the heart and constrict blood vessels, which can lead to a sharp spike in blood pressure. Regular stressful situations increase the risk of hypertension, which in turn is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

In addition, the doctor added, stress can also cause cardiac arrhythmias. There are not always obvious symptoms, but such arrhythmias can lead to more serious consequences, including cardiac arrest. In addition, chronic stress can become a catalyst for inflammation in the blood vessels, which weakens their walls and contributes to the development of heart failure.

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Stress can also increase the likelihood of blood clots. An increase in cortisol levels promotes blood clotting, which creates ideal conditions for the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block blood vessels and cause serious complications.

As for minimizing the harm from stress, the doctor said, regular physical exercise helps to reduce its level and strengthen the cardiovascular system. In addition, it is important to learn how to relax: yoga, meditation and breathing practices can significantly reduce anxiety levels. It is necessary to eat right, replacing fast food with healthier foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Adequate sleep is equally important, as its lack increases stress levels and negatively affects heart health, Kokin noted. Communication with loved ones and social support also play an important role in maintaining a psychoemotional state.

"If anxiety doesn't go away, panic prevents you from sleeping, and fatigue prevents you from living, don't delay. A psychotherapist will help you cope with stress before it destroys your health," the cardiologist concluded.

On August 14, Valeria Litvintseva, in an interview with Izvestia, spoke about the phenomenon of happiness fatigue. According to her, this phenomenon, referred to in the professional environment as "stability discomfort syndrome", is characterized by a paradoxical reaction of the psyche to the absence of external stressors. So, if a person is used to living in constant tension, his brain begins to perceive calmness as something suspicious.

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