Stress and Heart Disease - Stress Heart Attack
Stress is a general term used to describe a person’s response to physical, chemical, emotional and environmental stimuli. On a broad basis, it can refer to physical exertion as well as mental tension. Sometimes it is difficult to evaluate emotional and psychological Stress.
In a general sense, everyone experiences stress to varying degrees. The reaction to stress differs in each person.
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How is Stress Related to Heart Disease?
Much of what we know about stress is derived from scientific studies that examine the relationship of stress to cardiovascular disease. Scientists show definite links between stress and the resulting effects upon people physically and psychologically.
However, no pathway or physiological mechanism has been determined to contribute to heart disease. One of the most relevant questions being asked is, “Does stress act as an independent risk factor for heart disease?”
Despite the lack of physical evidence to support a theory of the relationship of stress to heart disease, stress management is a concept that is recognized in most professional circles as therapeutic and relaxing. Since the heart is a muscle, it is medically sound to say that it can be affected by tension and perhaps tense environments.
In order for the heart to function properly it requires oxygen and blood. The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen. When one or more of these vessels become obstructed, blood cannot get through this area or into the heart. Within about 20 minutes of not receiving blood and oxygen, the heart muscle begins to die.
When the heart tissue dies it can no longer contract or function properly. Some of the symptoms of a heart attack are a pain in the chest area, palpitations, profuse sweating, dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and shortness of breath. A person may experience some or all of the above symptoms during a heart attack. It is interesting to note that many people use similar words to describe stress related occurrences.
When the proverbial “stress attack“ occurs, several things happen immediately. First, the skeletal muscles contract and the hypothalamus reacts by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which involves involuntary activities of bodily organs.
The hypothalamus also mediates activity in the pituitary gland, which releases hormones into the bloodstream. Under stress, the muscles become tense, breathing becomes faster and deeper and the heartbeat quickens. Some blood vessels constrict which raises the blood pressure and almost closes the vessels right under the skin. Even the throat muscles and the muscles in the nostrils are forced wide open.
The digestive system is also temporarily brought to a halt. As perspiration increases, the secretion of mucous and saliva decreases and the pupils of the eyes dilate involuntarily. Almost simultaneously, the adrenal glands release two hormones - epinephrine and norepinephrine, which affect circulation and elevate the heartbeat and the blood pressure.
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How to Reduce Stress and Stress Heart Attack
While the autonomic and hormonal systems answer the call to fight or flight, the muscles are reacting also. It is the response of the muscles that we must thoroughly examine in order to understand how to alleviate stress and tension related disorders. The opposite of stress is relaxation. Most people do not know how to relax. One way to evaluate and alleviate stress is to ask, “Am I busy or active?”
The former denotes activities that could be stress related, such as business or work-related responsibilities, whereas the latter implies activities such as walking or gardening. Other recommended forms of relaxation are deep breathing exercises and meditation.
Psychologists can offer assistance with many types of relaxation techniques. In addition, aerobic exercise is a great outlet for stress and can serve as a stress reducer.
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