According to an international study published in the European Heart Journal, one in 11 stroke survivors experience anger or emotional stress before their symptoms appear. April is Stress Awareness Month, so it is a fitting time to review the surprising link between stress and deadly heart conditions like stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, hypertension and more. Take action now and learn ways to protect your heart and live a longer, healthier life.
How Can Stress Cause a Stroke?
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is abruptly stopped due to a blood clot creating a blockage (ischemic) or a blood vessel leaking (hemorrhagic). Both bleeding and clotting can cause brain damage, and depending on severity and duration blood flow was interrupted, a stroke can cause temporary or permanent disability.
How does stress impact the risk of stroke? Stressful situations release adrenaline in the body, causing heart rate to speed up and blood pressure to rise. When stress is constant or chronic, your body remains in this “fight or flight” mode, which can tighten blood vessels, damage arteries and raise blood pressure. That all increases risk for conditions like stroke, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Furthermore, if you feel stressed, it can be difficult to make heart-healthy decisions. Stress-coping behaviors like eating unhealthy junk foods, drinking too much alcohol or smoking can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
Stress Management Tools for Your Heart Health
Stress is part of life, and how we choose to manage it can greatly impact our well-being. Luckily, there are effective ways to reduce stress and improve your mental and physical health. For one, regular exercise is a proven heart-healthy habit, and research shows that those who exercise report better mental health. Even everyday activities like taking a walk, gardening or yoga can have a positive impact on your heart and stress levels.
It is also very important to pay attention to your diet. Foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, such as packaged snacks and sodas, can cause metabolic fluctuations that negatively impact your mood. To optimally nourish your body and mind, limit alcohol, avoid smoking and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Professional help may be necessary if you have experienced a traumatic event, suffer from a stress-related disorder like PTSD, or struggle with anxiety. Consult with a doctor about counseling services or medical treatment. It may seem intimidating, but talking to a professional can be the best option to help manage stress and improve your overall quality of life.
Know the Signs of Stroke and Don’t Delay Treatment
Ideally, you can reduce your risk of stroke by managing your stress and heart health. But recognizing the warning signs of stroke can still protect both yourself and your loved ones. The important acronym to remember for identifying a stroke is B.E. F.A.S.T. That stands for balance, eyes/vision loss, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911. It’s common to mistake or minimize the signs of stroke, but don’t delay treatment. Call 911.
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra resident and chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville. For more information on Dr. Magnano and his specialty in treating atrial fibrillation, go to ascension.org/JaxHeart or call 904-388-1820.
