Did you know that feeling frazzled can have an impact on your heart? Do you know what causes you stress? Stress can raise your blood pressure, cause inflammation, and mess with the rhythm of your heartbeat. Learn more about how chaos affects cardiac health.
When you're stressed, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. It releases cortisol and adrenaline. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and energy quickly increase. These stress reactions happen whether you’re facing danger or just dealing with the ups and downs of daily life. Too much stress can take a toll on your heart.
High Blood Pressure: Stress causes your blood vessels to get smaller and your heart rate to rise. If your blood pressure is high often, your heart has to work harder to pump blood.
Inflammation: Over time, stress can cause long-term inflammation in your body. This can harm your blood vessels and cause plaque buildup in your arteries. Your risk of heart disease and heart attacks also increases.
Unhealthy Coping Habits: Stress can lead to emotional eating, smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, or skipping exercise. Don’t start bad-for-you behaviors to cope with chaos. These behaviors can worsen your cardiovascular health.
Managing your stress is more than just feeling mellow. Coping with chaos is also a way to protect your heart. Partner with a MOBE Guide to get personalized guidance to stay calm without creating new bad habits.
Prioritize yourself to get a handle on anxiety, depression, and other health conditions when you team up with a MOBE Guide.
Reference:
“Stress and Heart Health” American Heart Association, February 8, 2024, accessed July 1, 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health
