Stress and heart attacks...Another way stress affects healthStress and heart attacks: Learn how heart attacks and stress are related. Stress affects health in many ways. A heart attack is one of the major effects of stress. What We Already Know Well, you may have heard about heart attacks. You probably even know enough about heart attacks to not want one! Just in case you think all heart attacks are fatal, let me just tell you, they're not. You see, this basic knowledge is good. But let's tackle the real questions! What exactly is a heart attack? And most importantly, what effect does stress have on heart attacks? What Is a Heart Attack? In simple terms, a heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. As a result some heart cells die, and muscles get damaged. And if the blood supply continues to be blocked, then the heart muscles eventually die. Stress and Heart Attacks Know that you know what a heart attack is, and how it's caused, let's take a look at the main question. How are stress and heart attacks related? First of all, stress causes a spike in your heart rate and blood pressure. "So what?", you may ask. Well, if blood pressure is increased for a long period of time, then it can cause these little platelets that form clots in your blood. So what? When a blood clot occurs, it cuts off part of the blood flow. And if this clot becomes large enough to completely stop blood flow, it damages the muscle, and you eventually get a heart attack. So, let's take it from the top. Here's a step-by-step procedure as to how stress could cause a heart attack. -Stress causes high blood pressure. -Stress for a long time causes extended blood pressure. -Extended blood pressure causes blood-clotting platelets. (Platelets could get bigger depending on the severity of the previous factors) -These platelets cause halts in blood flow. -Bigger platelets cause less blood flow to the heart. And if they get big enough, the blood flow fully stops, and you end up with a heart attack. Ever wonder why people get heart attacks after hearing shocking or bad news? The first four steps happen rapidly in their bodies and they get an immediate heart attack. Can This Happen to Anybody? Fortunately, no. Not everyone can get a heart attack due to stress. Or should I say, some people are less likely to be affected than others. So who is vulnerable? If you previously had a heart attack, and it was stress-related, then stress is more likely to cause a heart attack. Other Factors For Heart Attacks There isn't a whole lot of information on how stress causes heart attacks. Here are some other causes/factors for heart attacks: -Cholesteral -Blood Pressure -Exercise -Obesity Each factor has its own explanation regarding its connection with heart attacks. And I'll tell you, these four factors probably have clearer and more proven reasons as to why and how they causes heart attacks. Take-Home Lesson? Stress affects health in many ways, but the topic of stress and heart attacks is a little tougher to solve. Stress and health is a huge topic, and sometimes the solution isn't always solid and clear. At the end of the day, no one wants a heart attack. So, finding the connection between stress and heart attacks is the first step to avoiding one! Remember, the link at the top of the page is for you. It's there to help you fight your stress. So is the rest of this website. Feel comfortable to help this website guide you in the path to stress relief!
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