Risk of heart attack: Chronic stress leads to high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors
Created: 01/16/2023, 02:00 p.m
By: Natalie Hull Drawbar
Stress is a natural process in the body and even important.
But when stress becomes chronic, the risk of diseases such as heart attack and stroke increases.
Everyone knows the feeling of stress - when thoughts are circling, your head feels like it is "smoking" and pain is sometimes noticeable, arms and legs become restless, the heart beats faster and the pulse increases.
Then the body is on alert.
This is also noticeable hormonally.
Then you release more adrenaline to keep the bodily functions according to the stressful demands.
What can also be explained evolutionarily and is important for survival, so to speak, can weaken the body in the long run and make it susceptible to diseases.
At what point does the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke increase?
Risk of heart attack: Chronic stress leads to high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors
If the body constantly releases stress hormones, the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke increases.
(Icon image) © Cavan Images/Imago
If a person is under psychological stress and feels “stressed” as a result, the body also reacts, for example by causing the blood pressure to rise dangerously.
Many say “I’m stressed” easily, but this condition – if it persists regularly and for a longer period of time – should be taken seriously.
Chronic stress affects bodily functions, blood pressure and the immune system.
And stress is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to the
German Heart Foundation
.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything to do with health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
Chronic stress is heartbreaking
Stress is basically something completely natural.
The physical reaction to stress is important in order to be able to cope mentally and physically with the difficult demands of life.
According to the German Stroke Foundation
, short-term symptoms of stress include
:
Elevated blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Tense muscles
Increased sweating
dry mouth
Faster breathing
Increased heart rate
Increased oxygen supply to the brain
Dilated pupils
But it is also important for the psyche and the body that a phase of tension is followed by relaxation.
If there is no relaxation, permanent stress arises.
In the worst case, this persistently stressful stress can lead to a heart attack, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmia or heart failure.
Lower blood pressure naturally and thus prevent a stroke: which foods protect
View photo gallery
also read
Referral to a specialist: For which doctor you need the special certificate
TO READ
That is why drawing blood is sometimes difficult
TO READ
Coffee influences lifespan: According to researchers, this is how many cups you should drink for a long life
TO READ
"Has an impact on every aspect of my everyday life" - Celine Dion suffers from stiff person syndrome
TO READ
Disgust on the toothbrush: contaminated with bacteria and faeces
TO READ
Fancy a voyage of discovery?
My space
If you are exposed to stress for a long time, the constant excitement leads to the following symptoms:
Persistently elevated blood pressure
Persistently elevated heart rate
Elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels
sleep disorders
exhaustion
constipation
difficulty concentrating
Susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system
Increased risk of arteriosclerosis
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.