We often talk about stress, without really defining it. However, there are two types, each of which obeys different laws: acute stress and chronic stress.
While acute stress can trigger cardiac arrest, chronic stress becomes part of daily life and gradually worsens cardiovascular health.
Fortunately, there are many techniques to calm your anxiety and ensure better cardiac fitness.
While we are aware that smoking, lack of physical exercise or poor diet are factors in poor heart health, we talk less about one of its greatest enemies: stress. Regularly singled out by various health organizations such as the WHO or the French Federation of Cardiology, stress, whether acute or chronic, can cause a lot of damage.
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What are the different types of stress?
Although we readily say that we are stressed, we still struggle to clearly identify the nature of this stress. Two of them are particularly harmful to health: acute stress, which occurs following an emotional shock, and chronic stress, which lasts over time. The first can be triggered by anything and everything: an argument, an accident or even a football match! Moreover, as the French Federation of Cardiology (FFC) reminds us, “During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the heart attack rate among German television viewers increased almost threefold on national team match nights.” When accompanied by anger, acute stress multiplies the risk of heart attack by fifteen in the most fragile people. Concerning its chronic form, women are the most affected. It can be encouraged by an oppressive environment, a heavy mental load or by work. Still according to the FFC, “L‘Job insecurity or stress related to performance requirements could increase the risk of heart attack in women by up to 88%.”
The effects of stress on the heart
Here again, the different types of stress cause their own cardiac reactions. Acute stress has an immediate effect on the heart and too much emotion can have more or less serious physical consequences: acceleration of the heart rate, increase in blood pressure, narrowing of the coronary arteries, reduction in blood volume or even greater blood clotting. This can lead, in the worst cases, to a myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, pulmonary embolism or cardiac arrest (although this remains rarer). Chronic stress is an aggravating factor, but not a trigger. In particular, it can promote high blood pressure, or encourage bad behaviors for the heart such as smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. Chronic stress can also trigger diseases such as obesity, diabetes or excess cholesterol.
Actions to take
However, stress is not inevitable! The FFC has established a list of good behaviors to adopt to reduce daily stress and improve your cardiovascular health. So, try to practice physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, which is one of the main anti-stress, anti-anxiety and anti-depression tools. Don’t hesitate to also practice cardiac coherence and yoga, which are methods for reducing stress. A balanced diet is recommended. Finally, don’t forget to take some time for yourself, in order to reduce the pressure of everyday life! Finally, if you feel that you are subject to excessive stress, talk to your doctor who will be able to guide you towards the best solutions to reduce this state.
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