Can stress and anxiety cause heart disease?

As a health professional with a background in cardiology, I can provide some insight into the relationship between stress, anxiety, and heart disease. Stress and anxiety are known to have a significant impact on the body's physiological processes. When the body is under stress, it releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can have various effects on the body. One of the effects is that it can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which over time can contribute to the development of heart disease. Moreover, chronic stress and anxiety can lead to behaviors that are harmful to heart health, such as smoking, overeating, or avoiding exercise. Additionally, anxiety disorders are often correlated with other conditions like depression, which can also have negative effects on heart health. It is important to note that while there is a correlation between stress, anxiety, and heart disease, it does not necessarily imply causation. However, managing stress and anxiety through healthy lifestyle choices and, when necessary, seeking medical or psychological support can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.

"Generalized anxiety disorder is correlated with high levels of chronic stress and chronic worry, and we know that chronic stress, because of the cortisol being elevated for long periods of time, can lead to an increased risk for heart disease," said Varma.