Chronic Stress Linked to Heart Problems

A new study shows stress may play a bigger role than once expected in heart patients. New research shows heart attack patients with chronic stress were 42 percent more likely to die in two years.

Stress a likely factor

While more studies are needed, researchers do believe stress levels play a significant role in the health and recovery of patients.

Over the years, several studies have investigated the effects of stress. For the most part, the studies all suggest the higher the stress level the more likely a person is to have heart problems.

This study followed 4,200 heart attack patients who filled out surveys asking them about their daily life and the burdens in it. Of more than 1,600 patients with moderate to high stress, 13 percent died. According to Reuters, those statistics compared with just under nine percent of less-stressed patients who passed away.

Avoiding holiday stress

The holiday season can bring added stress for many people. For some, the holidays trigger financial burdens, depression and family-induced stress.

As health officials continue to investigate the effects of stress on the heart, the Mayo Clinic has some suggestions to relax this holiday season.
Here’s the top five pieces of advice:

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  Do something for yourself. Drop in on a yoga class or get a massage to reset your body and mind.

• Do something nice for someone.  By volunteering or helping someone else without expecting anything in return you focus on positives.
• Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship.
• Eat better. Watch what you eat and go easy on the alcohol, it will help keep the extra pounds off.
• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget.