Everybody gets stressed out, but when it comes to stress and anxiety, are they putting your heart at risk? Find out what the studies have to say.
According to a new study, middle-aged men who experience constant anxiety may be increasing their risk for heart disease. The study, which appears in the February 1, 2022 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, began in 1975 and had 1,561 male participants with an average age of 53. The men also had no heart disease at the start of the study.
Throughout the study, participants completed assessments regarding their levers of worry and neuroticism. Researchers collected data on the men’s risk of cardiometabolic disease every three to five years until the men either died or dropped out of the study.
Furthermore, they measured the participants’ blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index, and a blood marker of inflammation to measure their risk. At the end of their study, researchers concluded that higher levels of neuroticism and worry led to a 10% to 13% increase in the risk of developing six or more risk factors for heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes.
Chronic Stress and Heart Risk
Stress is a reaction meant to protect you against threats. While we may not face predators as our ancestors did, our body still reacts to certain situations as threats and triggers a stress response.
For this reason, dealing with a huge workload, paying the bills, or taking care of family can make you feel like you’re under constant attack. However, there are ways to manage your stress so it doesn’t negatively impact your life.
It’s important that you learn effective ways of coping with stress, as chronic stress can disrupt your body’s processes. As a result, you have a higher risk of developing health problems like depression, headaches, muscle tension, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Start by identifying the causes behind your stress and how to take care of your physical and emotional health as you face these triggers. Some stress management strategies include getting regular exercise, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep. You can also practice deep breathing techniques, take time for hobbies, foster healthy social relationships, and seek professional counseling.
The Outlook
Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. It’s important that you learn to manage your stress through healthy methods and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking or eating excess food.
In addition to managing your stress, you can boost your health by taking L-arginine Plus, a heart health supplement. Its ingredients effectively promote circulation, blood pressure health, cholesterol health, and more. Give your health the support it deserves by managing your stress and taking L-arginine Plus.