New Delhi: Among all the patients who come to us with heart attacks, particularly those aged between 30 and 40 years, 40% have stress as a major contributing factor. This stress often begins very early in life. It starts during our school years, when we experience pressure to achieve good marks in exams. This continues into college, where the stress of securing good grades persists. As we enter the workforce, we face the stress of maintaining a certain lifestyle—owning a good car, wearing the right clothes, enjoying fine dining, and living in a comfortable house.
While explaining the same, Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan – Consultant and Head – CTVS, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Toxicity in the workplace is a significant cause of stress for many people. One major source of this stress is the pressure to remain relevant in our organizations. We constantly feel the need to try new things and be innovative, which in itself is a major source of stress. Social media also plays a role in exacerbating stress. Many young influencers flaunt their lavish lifestyles, which can leave others feeling like underachievers, unable to reach similar heights. This sense of inadequacy can lead to unhappiness, further fueling stress.”
In an attempt to relieve this stress, some people turn to socializing, which can involve smoking with friends during work breaks. This habit often leads to drinking alcohol in the evening. It’s important to note that consuming four pegs of alcohol in just two hours can increase the risk of a heart attack by 70%. We all know that smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, yet many turn to it as a stress-relief mechanism, which ironically leads to heart attacks.
So, what changes does stress bring to our body? Stress triggers the release of a hormone called cortisol, which becomes persistently elevated. Normally, cortisol is released in response to a fight-or-flight situation, but chronic stress keeps cortisol levels high. This leads to oxidative damage and a state of constant inflammation in the heart. Elevated cortisol levels also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar—all of which are major risk factors for heart attacks.
To combat this, we need to make lifestyle changes. It’s crucial to dedicate at least an hour a day to meditation and exercise. Spending quality time with your family is also beneficial. It’s important to avoid feeling like an underachiever and to find happiness in what you already have. By making these changes, you can fight stress effectively and maintain a healthy heart.
In an attempt to relieve this stress, some people turn to socializing, which can involve smoking with friends during work breaks. This habit often leads to drinking alcohol in the evening. It’s important to note that consuming four pegs of alcohol in just two hours can increase the risk of a heart attack by 70%. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
