Can stress and anxiety cause heart problems?

As a healthcare professional with a background in cardiology, I can tell you that stress and anxiety can indeed have an impact on heart health. While they are not direct causes of heart disease, they can contribute to it by increasing the risk of certain conditions that can lead to heart problems. When a person experiences stress or anxiety, their body undergoes a series of physiological changes. The release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to changes in the blood vessels and heart muscle, potentially contributing to the development of conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Moreover, stress and anxiety can also lead to behaviors that are harmful to heart health, such as smoking, overeating, or lack of physical activity. These behaviors can further increase the risk of heart disease. It's important to note that while stress and anxiety can contribute to heart problems, they are not the sole cause. A combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, play a role in the development of heart disease. In summary, stress and anxiety can indirectly contribute to heart problems by increasing the risk of conditions that can affect the heart. It's crucial for individuals who experience chronic stress or anxiety to manage these feelings through healthy lifestyle choices and, if necessary, seek professional help.

"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.