05/11/2025
It’s National Stress Awareness Day.
Let’s talk about stress and your heart.
Stress isn’t “just in your head.” Ongoing (chronic) stress can raise your blood pressure, increase inflammation in the body, and keep your heart in “fight or flight” mode for far too long. Over time, that stress load is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and even heart attack.
When we’re stressed, we also tend to sleep badly, move less, snack more, drink more, or smoke to cope - all of which add extra strain to the cardiovascular system. The important bit: stress is common, but it’s also something you can take seriously and get support with.
Here are two gentle things you can start today:
• Take a proper break from screens and messages, even for 10 minutes. Give your heart rate and breathing time to settle.
• Move. A short walk can help lower stress hormones and blood pressure.
If you’re noticing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of pressure when you’re stressed, please don’t ignore it. Get medical advice.
At Coastal Cardiology we’re here to support long-term heart health. Your heart listens to how you live. Be kind to it.