People who are exposed to constant emotional and physical stress over long periods of time may respond by having their heart health affected, according to the American Heart Association. Chronic stress caused by problems at work, financial worries or family disputes not only leads to symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, insomnia, tense and aching muscles, etc., but also to high blood pressure, which can end in a heart attack or stroke. If cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, lack of exercise and overweight are added to this, the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases is extremely high. A Canadian senior physician at the General Hospital in Montreal, Dr. Ernesto L. Schiffrin, then refers to a study in the specialist magazine „The Lancet“ in which images of the brains of chronically stressed people were evaluated. Here the connection between constant stress and cardiovascular diseases was clearly shown. Schiffrin also explains that there is so-called useful stress; chronic stress, on the other hand, should be avoided because it makes people ill. He gives advice on how to minimise stress: According to this, priorities should be set in order to reconcile work and family life without stress. The doctor considers time for family, friends and also for laughing to be particularly important, but also physical activity and exercise in a healthy amount to lower blood pressure. He also recommends yoga as a sport that combines movement, breathing and relaxation in one. Sufficient sleep, about seven to eight hours, in cool, darkened and quiet rooms also promotes stress management. Alcohol, as well as fatty and sugary food in the evening shortly before going to bed, should be avoided. A certain amount of calmness during the day, perhaps in combination with meditation, also helps to get through the day with less stress.
