Can stress cause heart attacks?

Over time, persistent stress may contribute to behaviours and physical responses - such as high blood pressure or poor lifestyle choices - that increase your vulnerability to heart disease.

Debbie Grayson, Pharmacist and Nutritional Therapist, Practice With Confidence, Greater Manchester, UK explains that stress is clinically acknowledged to have a harmful impact on heart health.

"Long-term stress is a well-established contributor to several factors that can lead to heart disease," she says. "These can work together over time to create the perfect conditions for a heart attack."

How stress can increase your chance of heart attack

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), people with ongoing psychological stress are more likely to develop issues with their heart and blood vessels.

This includes conditions such as:

• High blood pressure.

• Heart disease.

• Poor circulation.

Stress affects your body in ways that can put strain on your heart over time - especially if it's not managed well.

She explains that when your body detects a threat - whether emotional or psychological - it can activate your fight or flight response.

"This causes a surge in stress hormones - primarily adrenaline and cortisol," says Grayson. "As a result, your heart rate and blood pressure will increase, and your blood vessels will constrict."

Grayson explains that while this response is helpful in short bursts, prolonged high levels of stress hormones can harm the inner lining of your blood vessels (the endothelium), encourage plaque build-up, and raise the likelihood of blood clots - all of which can lead to a heart attack.

What are the signs of stress?

Stress can manifest in various ways, affecting your body, emotions and behaviour.

Grayson says it's also important to consider the indirect effects of stress.

"Stress often leads to poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, or increased alcohol and tobacco use," she explains. "All of these are associated with heart problems."

She adds that there's also growing evidence that stress-related conditions are directly linked to a higher chance of heart health issues, even when other factors are taken into account.

How to manage stress

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining your health. Grayson explains that finding long-term ways to reduce stress can protect your wellbeing - particularly your heart.

Get active

To support your heart - and your overall health - it’s recommended you get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Grayson adds that regular exercise can also help lower your stress levels.

Embrace mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying close attention to the present moment - your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Research shows it can boost your overall health and help you manage stress levels more effectively.

Sleep well

Sleep is just as important as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Most adults need 7–9 hours a night to support memory, metabolism, energy levels, and brain function.

Connect with others

Loneliness can have a harmful effect on your heart. It’s more than just a feeling - it can cause stress in your body that may lead to heart problems over time.

Live healthier

Unhealthy habits triggered by stress - such as smoking, comfort eating, and drinking too much alcohol - can harm your heart. While they might offer short-term relief, they won't help your health in the long run.

Explore therapy

Getting support from a mental health professional is a proven way to manage stress and, in turn, reduce the strain on your heart.

Grayson concludes by advising that if your stress feels unmanageable - or if you experience chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, or fatigue - it’s important to get medical help right away.

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