Emotional and physical stresses have a negative impact on the heart and the vascular system. Acute stress happens all at once; chronic stress occurs over a longer time period. Stress hormones (catecholamines, including epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline) have damaging effects if the heart is exposed to elevated catecholamine levels for a long time. Stress can cause increased oxygen demand on the body, spasm of the coronary (heart) blood vessels, and electrical instability in the heart's conduction system.
Chronic stress has been shown to increase the heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart work harder to produce the blood flow needed for bodily functions. Long-term elevations in blood pressure, also seen with essential hypertension (high blood pressure not related to stress), are harmful and can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and stroke.
The October 10, 2007, issue of JAMA contains an article about the effects of chronic job stress on the heart and the cardiovascular system.
Common types of chronic stresses
Family and marriage difficulties
Financial problems
Job stress
Physical or mental illnesses
Shift work or nighttime work hours
School stress, especially when combined with work and family obligations
Substance abuse, including tobacco and alcohol
Care of aging parents, often combined with raising one's own children
Loneliness
Heart-related effects of chronic stress
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythms
Increased oxygen demand
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Preventing and managing stress
Incorporate some type of exercise into each day.
Eat a healthful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Do not smoke.
Use alcohol only in moderation.
Quiet time, meditation, prayer, reading, yoga, and relaxation techniques including biofeedback can help in stress management.
Family, friends, and fellow workers can provide needed support. Talking about problems can help to express feelings and reduce conflict.
If you have heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower the heart rate and control abnormal heart rhythms.
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on acute emotional stress and the heart was published in the July 18, 2007, issue; and one on risk factors for heart disease was published in the August 20, 2003, issue.
Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: HEART DISEASE