Emotions and heart attack: Why anger, depression and stress can lead to serious heart disease

Heart attack: Clinical studies reveal that strong emotions, including anger, depression, stress, and hostile behavior, can trigger coronary heart diseases. Moreover, stress and frustration worsen the condition in those with coronary problems

Have you abandoned your attention towards mental health due to personal or professional reasons? Are you compromising on your emotional well being? If so, you may be putting yourself at risk for cardiovascular disorders. Here are ways to help keep your heart health in check.

Cardiovascular health and emotional intelligence: Multiple studies have described the intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and emotional intelligence. While we haven't established a direct method to govern emotions for health, we've found a connection between emotions and diseases.

Impact of emotions on health: Dark and depressing thoughts, along with conditions like anxiety, silently fuel the risk factors for diseases. On the brighter side, positive emotions can bolster health and fend off the specter of diseases.

Coronary heart disease (CHD): One particularly concerning condition is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), influenced by genetics, environment, physiology, and behaviour. Emotions may guide the course of this disease. People who can regulate their emotions and find silver linings are more likely to steer clear of coronary duress.

CHD and emotional triggers: Coronary heart disease, a public health concern, has been affecting mortality rates for some time. Clinical studies reveal that strong emotions, including anger, depression, stress, and hostile behavior, can trigger CHD. Moreover, stress and frustration worsen the condition in those with coronary problems, often due to high-pressure jobs, challenging relationships, and financial troubles.

Power of emotional well-being: Being emotionally healthy and in control of your thoughts and feelings can help you cope with life's challenges. Perceiving and managing life on your terms can help you overcome setbacks.

If you too have been neglecting your emotional health, here’s what you can do to rekindle your relationship with yourself, and promote cardiovascular health along the way:

Nourish, move, rest: These pillars are the keystones of a wholesome life. Embrace the significance of a balanced diet, sound sleep, and consistent physical activity. Make them your priorities for a healthier lifestyle, and don't forget to quench your body's thirst with ample hydration.

Rediscover social bonds: You may not want to be a social butterfly, and that is entirely justified. However, cultivating healthy social connections holds vital importance, not just for emotional well-being but also for your cardiovascular health. These connections weave a positive support system, fostering a safe environment for self-expression. This will ultimately aid in keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay.

Refrain from self-directed negativity: A vicious cycle of self-deprecation can be easy to fall into, and must be avoided as much as possible. The process may be slow, but identifying these patterns and daily efforts to address them can yield substantial benefits. Reversing the thought process may sound challenging, but practicing self-kindness in your thoughts is vital. It not only fosters positive emotions but also helps reduce the risk factors associated with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

Learn to set boundaries: Setting clear-cut boundaries with those around you is crucial for saving your time and energy, and also your mental peace. It may be confusing at first, and saying ‘no’ may seem impolite to you initially, but it is a saving grace in the long run. However, it is necessary to establish your comfort and expectations from others. This may take time, but will help you stay calm, and keep you away from stress, one of the risk factors for cardiac distress.

Regular check-ups: Last but not the least, it’s vital not to underestimate the significance of scheduling regular appointments with your doctor for check-ups and screenings. These assessments play a crucial role in monitoring your heart health and detecting potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention.