In times of great stress your cortisol level spikes. This increases your blood pressure as well as your heart rate. When this happens repeatedly these frequent spikes can weaken the heart muscle and eventually lead to coronary artery disease.

Those who suffer panic attacks regularly say that they anxiety feels like a heart attack. Both conditions come with shortness of breath, tightening of the chest, sweating, pounding heartbeat, heart palpitations, dizziness, physical weakness and occasionally paralysis.

Prolonged periods of anxiety can cause heart problems. It may lead to tachycardia or a rapid heart rate. Anxiety can raise your blood pressure putting extra strain on the heart.

The best answer is to reduce your stress.

We realize that is easier said than done, but here are some stress busting ideas to try.

1. Turn off the news and stop hanging on every online story. In 2021 that’s enough to make anyone anxious.
2. Try and meditate. Even if you have never done it before, there is never a better time than now to start.
3. Try yoga – relax your body and your mind.
4. Get some exercise – exercise releases endorphins that help bust stress and elevate your mood.
5. Cut out caffeine and other stimulants.
6. Stop consuming alcohol.
7. Break away from stressful people and situations.
8. If something in your life isn’t working for you and constantly stresses you out its ok to cut it from your life. This is your life and its up to you to choose how to live it.
9. Drink chamomile tea or valerian before bed to help make you sleepy.
10. Sniff lavender oil or spray it on your pillow.
11. Lavender oil is also great in lemonade, just a drop or two from a reputable source.
12. Maintain a healthy weight. Added weight puts more stress on the heart.

If you are feeling stressed on a regular basis it’s a good idea to get a heart health check up and work on changing a few things.

Give us a call at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida 813-975-2800 or visit us online by going to www.tampacardio.com.