Heart stress is caused by contributing factors that differ in nature. Some contributing factors are mental, while others are physical. Given the evidence, controlling stressors in the environment is an important consideration of heart health. While the linkage between feelings and physical health may not be obvious, it apparently exists.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress, such as anxiety, is one source of stress on the heart. It can cause reversible yet severe damage to the left ventricle of the heart in patients with heart disease, according to Ilan Wittstein, M.D., and colleagues in "The New England Journal of Medicine". The researchers also note that heart attacks have occurred after acute emotional stress. This is one way the link between emotions and physical health are clarified.
Diet
Diet is another area of concern regarding heart health. Eating a low-fat diet has been linked to better heart health, according to Jennifer Daubenmier, Ph.D., and colleagues in 2007 in the "Annals of Behavioral Medicine". The researchers found that a low-fat diet reduced LDL cholesterol in their sample of patients. Therefore, a heart stress reduction program should include a low-fat, healthy diet.
Psychosocial Stress
Psychosocial stress is a known contributor to heart stress, according to Hermann Nabi and colleagues in July 2008 in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology". Psychological stress can come from work such as in job demands, lack of decision-making ability and lack of social support. Therefore, employers should be aware of the impact of work life on health and incorporate programs that help reduce employee job strain.
Oxygen
Oxygen is required for proper heart functioning. Specifically, oxygen affects the tone, contracting ability and other areas of function, as mentioned by Frank Giordana in 2005 in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation". While oxygen is required for heart functioning, it can also be a source of stress to the heart. Oxygen is involved with the formation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species can either signal the formation of molecules beneficial to the heart, or they can cause irreversible damage to heart cells.
References
- "The New England Journal of Medicine", Neurohumoral Features of Myocardial Stunning Due to Sudden Emotional Stress; Ilan Wittstein, M.D. et al.; Feb. 10 2005
- "Annals of Behavioral Medicine"; The Contribution of Changes in Diet, Exercise, and Stress Management to Changes in Coronary Risk in Women and Men in the Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program; Jennifer Daubenmier, Ph.D. et al.; 2007.
- "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology"; Do Psychological Factors Affect Inflammation and Incident Coronary Heart Disease. The Whitehall II Study; Hermann Nabi et al.; July 208
- "The Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Oxygen, Oxidative Stress, Hypoxia, and Heart Failure; Frank J. Giordana; Mar. 1 2005
