Basics
Stress can have a profound effect on the heart, report researchers at the American Institute of Stress. The number of heart attacks and sudden death due to heart failure typically rises in communities following stressful events such as hurricanes or crime sprees. Stress activates the body's natural fight-or-flight response system, which includes increased heart rate and blood pressure as well as an infusion of adrenaline. These innate physical responses to stress are triggered even when the stress is not life-threatening. When the body is subjected to chronic stress, the heart eventually begins to wear down and cause coronary heart disease.
Personality
Certain types of personalities that are prone to extreme emotions may be at risk for developing coronary heart disease. Researchers at the American Stress Institute report that Type A personalities that often are inflexible and demanding tend to have elevated cholesterol readings, accelerated blood clotting and a high rate of heart disease. The surges of stress created by high-powered, driven Type A personalities cause increased adrenaline and heart rate, raised triglyceride levels and arteriosclerosis.
Emotions
Doctors at the World Heart Federation report that emotional stress is as dangerous as extreme physical stress in contributing to coronary heart disease. Depression, hostility and anger and social isolation often are directly linked to higher incidences of heart disease. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic report that depressed patients typically often have a weakened immune system and a wide range of other risk factors for coronary heart disease. Stress and depression can cause heart disease and exacerbate already weakened hearts. Patients often develop depression and additional stress factors following a cardiac event such as a heart attack. The additional pressure on the heart and blood vessels decreases the level of recovery and can lead to additional heart damage.
Habits
Researchers at the American Heart Association report that many people respond to stress by taking up unhealthy habits that eventually can lead to coronary heart disease. Behaviors that adversely affect overall health and heart function include poor eating habits. Overeating as a stress response leads to obesity, a common contributing factor in diabetes, high cholesterol and increased blood pressure. Smoking is another lifestyle choice that affects the heart and circulatory system. People who turn to alcohol or drugs to ease tension risk high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Moderate drinking that includes one drink for men and two drinks for women may increase heart health, but excessive drinking raises triglycerides, produces irregular heartbeats and can lead to heart failure.
