Stress is a normal human reaction, and while the human body is designed to experience and respond to stress, it is a known factor for poor cardiac health. High and prolonged levels of stress can lead to behaviors linked to increased risk of high blood pressure and hypertension, such as:

• unhealthy diet or overeating
• overuse of alcohol
• smoking
• lack of physical activity
• reduced sleep
• not taking medications as prescribed

Stress Awareness Month is a great time to think about ways to reduce your stress, whether you have other risk factors or suffered a cardiac event. Even if you’re in good health, your heart is worth working toward better stress management and response strategies.

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Exercise on most days, even if you only have 20 minutes, helps!
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, even on weekends.
• Focus on deep breathing and ways to help you relax.
• Work to make your daily schedule more manageable.

Your health care provider can identify if your stress contributes to health problems and work with you to create a treatment help to reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.