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Originally published February 7, 2025
Last updated February 7, 2025
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Stress can be caused by many things, including bad traffic, deadlines and hardship.
“There are different types of stress,” explains Fady Gabra, MD, an internal medicine specialist with Keck Medicine of USC. “Acute stress, triggered by unexpected events, can last up to a week. Chronic stress, meanwhile, can last for months or years.”
Both kinds of stress can seriously impact your heart.
Stress can affect the heart in subtle ways. Key signs that can indicate this is happening include:
Women may also experience symptoms like arm pain, nausea and fatigue.
Dr. Gabra advises against dismissing any chest pain as “just stress” without proper medical evaluation. Seeking care is important because stress can both mimic and trigger heart problems.
When evaluating patients, Dr. Gabra looks at the whole picture:
He encourages patients to be open with their physician about current stressors in their lives. Doing so helps your doctor differentiate stress-related symptoms from cardiac conditions and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Treatment for stress-related heart problems can range from immediate to long-term and is tailored to your unique case.
In the immediate, seek emergency care if you experience crushing chest pressure, severe pain or difficulty breathing. Medications may be prescribed to address immediate stress-induced effects.
Patients will also be advised to find ways to lessen stress and improve coping strategies. Dr. Gabra advises finding stress management solutions that work for you, whether it’s mindfulness and meditation, regular exercise, spiritual practice or time spent with family and friends.
Exercise is also key. Dr. Gabra recommends getting 60 minutes of exercise three times weekly for healthy people, aiming for the following:
Managing stress also takes a team approach and includes mental health support and regular medical check-ups.
Dr. Gabra advises not using over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements without medical supervision due to potential problems or drug interactions.
Guarding your heart from stress is an ongoing process. Dr. Gabra emphasizes starting with the basics: knowing your normal patterns for heart rate, blood pressure, energy levels and daily habits. Building on this foundation, he recommends maintaining regular exercise, eating well and nurturing social connections. Most importantly, identify your personal stress triggers and develop strategies early on.
Regular check-ups and open communication with your health care provider will help you stay on track with your long-term heart health goals. By implementing these strategies, individuals can take meaningful steps towards protecting their heart health and managing stress effectively in the long run.
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