Stress can have a significant impact on your heart health, especially when it becomes chronic.  While occasional stress is a natural part of life, prolonged or intense stress may increase the risk of heart problems.

Here are five key ways stress can affect your heart:

Increases Blood Pressure – Stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, straining your heart

Raises Heart Rate – Elevated stress levels increase heart rate, adding extra workload

Promotes Inflammation – Chronic stress may trigger inflammation linked to heart disease

Encourages Unhealthy Habits – Stress often leads to smoking, overeating, or inactivity

Triggers Hormonal Imbalance – Stress hormones like cortisol affect blood vessels and heart function