ASK THE EXPERTS: Is my level of stress or anxiety increasing my risk of heart complications?

Q: Is my level of stress or anxiety increasing my risk of heart complications?

A: Stress, if too frequent or intense, can swamp your body’s response system, causing your heart health to suffer. It is especially important to manage stress and anger when you have coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. Overwhelming stress or anger might make your heart problems worse by:

• Raising your blood pressure and heart rate
• Making your arteries squeeze tight, increasing the risk for coronary microvascular disease
• Triggering chest pain in some people

Talk with your physician about ways to help manage your stress and keep your heart healthy and happy.

Cullen McCarthy, M.D.
Vascular Surgeon
Cardio-Thoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates

This article originally was featured in our latest issue of BEST Magazine. BEST is a healthcare publication that provides our readers with the latest news and information from Infirmary Health. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE