Can Stress Cause Heart Problems?

Is stress hurting your heart? A doctor discusses symptoms and solutions.

Stress can be caused by many things, including bad traffic, deadlines and hardship.

There are different types of stress, explains an internal medicine doctor with Keck Medicine of USC. Acute stress is triggered by unexpected events and can last up to a week. Chronic stress can last for months or years.

Both kinds of stress can seriously impact your heart.

How stress affects your heart health

Stress can affect the heart in subtle ways. Key signs that can indicate this is happening include:

• An elevated heart rate (above 95-100 beats per minute)
• Changes in eating habits
• Increased blood pressure (10-20 mmHg above normal)

Women may also experience symptoms like arm pain, nausea and fatigue.

When to see a doctor about stress and heart symptoms

Don’t dismiss 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, doctors evaluate:

• Heart disease risk factors
• Heart rate and blood pressure
• Lifestyle
• Recent stressors

Be open with your physician about current stressors in your life. Doing so helps your doctor differentiate stress-related symptoms from cardiac conditions and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treating stress-related heart problems

Treatment for stress-related heart problems can range from immediate to long-term and is tailored to your unique case.

For immediate crushing chest pressure, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care. 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. Find 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. Getting 60 minutes of exercise three times weekly is a recommended plan for most people. Keep in mind to:

• Maintain your heart rate at about 80% of maximum during exercise
• Start slowly, especially if there are concerns about heart risks
• Use a standing desk if possible
• Walk 10 minutes hourly if sitting for long periods at work

Managing stress also takes a team approach and includes mental health support and regular medical check-ups.

Doctors advise not to use over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements without medical supervision due to potential problems or drug interactions.

Protect your heart from stress

Guarding your heart from stress is an ongoing process. Start with the basics: knowing your normal patterns for heart rate, blood pressure, energy levels and daily habits. Building on this foundation, maintain regular exercise, eat well and nurture 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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