Rome Reporter

Chronic stress can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being, potentially leading to severe health issues such as heart disease. Stress triggers the release of adrenaline, which raises breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to these heightened states may increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Poor health behaviors often accompany stress, including overeating, smoking, decreased physical activity, unhealthy diets, being overweight, and neglecting prescribed medications. Stress affects microcirculation in the body’s smaller blood vessels. This is particularly concerning for women who experience more pronounced adverse effects compared to men.

Research highlights that women aged 50 or younger have twice the decrease in blood flow to heart muscles during stress compared to men. Those with chronic stable coronary artery disease also exhibit changes in smaller blood vessels under mental stress.

Innovative researchers are developing a Cardiovascular Reactivity Score (CRS) using data from the Mental Stress Ischemia Prognosis Study (MIPS) to identify individuals at increased risk so that interventions can be implemented.

Addressing mental health is crucial for mitigating the physiological effects of stress. Members of the Forbes Coaches Council emphasize emotional intelligence's role in managing emotions during stressful situations. They suggest strategies like identifying triggers, creating distance, confiding in trusted individuals, responding rather than reacting, building resilience, and focusing on passions.

AdventHealth advocates for a whole-person approach to wellness that balances mind, body, spirit, and relationships. Dr. Rachel Harris from AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Rome encourages discussing stress levels with healthcare providers to create effective management plans.

Dr. Rachel Harris is a cardiologist specializing in cardiac imaging at AdventHealth Medical Group Cardiology at Rome. She is dedicated to heart health and disease prevention with a particular focus on women's heart care.