The influence of stress on heart health has for a long time been a piece of the cardiology puzzle that is often overlooked. Now more than ever, medical professionals are recognizing the complex way stress interacts with cardiology and, consequently, the necessity to manage stress in patients with cardiac conditions.
The common misconception exists that over-exposure to stress is merely a psychological burden with temporary physical manifestations. The truth, as current research suggests, is that prolonged stress may lead to an array of tangible health problems, most notably those linked to cardiology.
A study by the American Heart Association (AHA), for instance, confirmed that those with higher perceived stress levels had an elevated risk of developing hypertension and heart disease (1). Concurrently, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology identified that stress-induced conditions might increase the likelihood and recurrence of sudden cardiac events (2).
An integrated healthcare provider is striving to change the narrative around this discussion by adding stress management to the cardiological treatment plan in an innovative and highly effective approach. Their primary objective has been to identify the possibility of severe cardiac conditions as the cause of a patient's stress. If a patient’s stress is not underlying from a cardiac state, the focus is then redirected to helping patients comprehend and manage their stressful conditions.
This paradigm shift by this healthcare provider is noteworthy. It not only pressurizes the significance of stress in cardiology but also fortifies their commitment to a holistic treatment plan beyond addressing apparent medical symptoms.
Apart from directly interacting with patients, this health provider incorporates external support from other medical parties, ensuring patients receive the help they need. This approach is crucial as well-structured stress management strategies have proven to protect against the harmful effects of chronic stress on cardiovascular health(3).
By bridging the gap between cardiological healthcare and stress management, this healthcare provider makes a compelling case for the re-evaluation of our traditional understanding of cardiac care. This perspective invites us to consider cardiology not just through the biological lens but also acknowledges the psychological influences at play.
As the field of cardiology continues to evolve, stress management will undoubtedly become a mainstay in the treatment and prevention of heart disease, underscoring its significance in maintaining overall cardiovascular well-being.
Sources:
- American Heart Association (AHA). (2019). Stress and Heart Health. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2020). Stress and Cardiovascular Disease. https://www.jacc.org/
- European Heart Journal. (2018). Impact of stress management on cardiovascular health. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj
