Cardiologist spoke about the effects of chronic stress on the heart
Chronic stress can increase cardiovascular risks because the body does not have time to return to normal after constant stress. Against this background, blood pressure and pulse may increase, sleep may be disrupted, and metabolic changes may occur. Evgeny Kokin, a cardiologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia about this on September 11.
Cardiologist of JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences Evgeny Kokin
Stress itself is not an enemy of the body. This is a normal physiological reaction that helps to quickly mobilize forces in a situation of danger or high stress. The problem arises when the stress system turns on too often and almost does not have time to return to its original state. In this case, we are already talking about chronic stress, which can actually increase cardiovascular risks.
Under stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, and the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine increases in the body. As a result, the heart begins to contract faster and harder, blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand increase. At the same time, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system is activated and cortisol levels increase.
According to the cardiologist, in the short term, such changes are physiological and help the body cope with stress. However, with constant stress, high blood pressure, rapid pulse, sleep disorders, and metabolic changes can become chronic risk factors.
Kokin emphasized that a one—time adrenaline rush and constant tension are not the same thing. After an acute stressful situation, the body usually gradually returns to normal. If anxiety becomes a constant background, the cardiovascular system regularly experiences additional stress. It is especially dangerous if chronic stress is accompanied by smoking, lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyle, overeating or drinking a lot of alcohol.
Anxiety can also provoke a rapid heartbeat, a feeling of interruptions and a temporary increase in blood pressure. In people who are prone to certain rhythm disturbances, stress can act as one of the triggers. Chronic stress also increases the likelihood of a steady increase in blood pressure.
Evgeny Kokin
However, it would be wrong to say that anxiety directly "causes" any arrhythmia or coronary heart disease: cardiovascular diseases have many risk factors, from heredity and age to atherosclerosis, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity levels.
Some symptoms, according to the doctor, should not be attributed solely to nervous tension. The reason for a medical assessment is a recurring heartbeat or interruptions, a noticeable increase in blood pressure, unusual shortness of breath during habitual exertion, decreased tolerance for physical activity, as well as discomfort or chest pain, especially those that occur during exertion.
Sudden severe chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, cold sweat, fainting, or sudden weakness do not require reassurance, "it's just stress," but urgent medical attention.
The cardiologist also noted that there is no universal breathing technique that can compensate for chronic stress. Slow and calm breathing can reduce acute anxiety and the severity of a physiological reaction, so it is acceptable to use it as an additional tool. However, a set of habits is most effective.
First of all, we are talking about regular physical activity, adequate sleep and recovery, blood pressure control, smoking cessation and moderation in alcohol consumption. Walking, aerobic exercise, and other types of physical activity appropriate to a person's age and health status are useful.
With chronic anxiety, it is important to work with its cause. Psychotherapy, stress management techniques, and, if necessary, treatment of anxiety disorders can be much more important than simply trying to "calm the pulse."
"The main principle here is simple: stress should not be perceived as a direct destruction of the heart. The danger is primarily its chronic nature and associated lifestyle and physiological changes. Therefore, the task of prevention is not to achieve a complete absence of stress, which is impossible, but to teach the body to regularly return from stress mode to a state of recovery," concluded Kokin.
Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko said on July 31 that the risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases largely depends on a person's lifestyle. He recommended regular checkups, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol. The head of the Ministry of Health stressed that timely prevention and a healthy lifestyle help reduce the likelihood of developing many chronic diseases.
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