Stress and Heart Disease

Stressed out? You're not alone.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Americans were among the most stressed populations in the world. But in a 2020 survey, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults — including 19% of millennials (ages 24 to 41) and 34% of younger adults — said their mental health was worse than it had been the previous year. (Source: American Heart Association)

Stress can fuel unhealthy behaviors, such as: overeating, smoking, excessive drinking and physical inactivity

Chronic stress may contribute to risk factors for heart disease and stroke including: high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, plaque buildup in the arteries, depression and anxiety.

You can feel better.

Try different techniques to manage day-to-day stress, including pandemic-related stress from staying home. Build resilience with healthy habits like quitting smoking, getting enough sleep and eating nutritious foods. Try out mindfulness practices like meditation and gratitude. Check with your primary care provider about starting an exercise regimen.




At Witham, we have services to help you tackle stress in a safe way. See your primary care provider to talk about ways to decrease stress and improve health. If you have established heart disease, our providers at Witham Heart Partners are here to work with your primary care provider to optimize your health.

Learn more at heart.org/BeWell or call Witham Heart Partners who are accepting new patients at 765-485-8740

Written by:

Alana Hart NP-C Cardiology Nurse Practitioner

Witham Heart Partners