The human body reacts to stress, whether it be psychological, emotional, or physical, by generating “stress hormones,” which include cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are a component of our innate defensive system, which is intended to support our quick “fight or flight” reaction in dangerous circumstances. In order to prioritize immediate survival, cortisol raises blood sugar levels and inhibits non-essential body activities, while adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure. All the information you want is provided by Dr. C. Raghu, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Clinical Director at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad:
Chronic stress, on the other hand, can seriously harm heart health due to this ongoing hormone spike. Chronically high cortisol levels can cause changes in lipid metabolism, hypertension, and blood sugar levels, all of which exacerbate atherosclerosis, the slow accumulation of plaque in the arteries that obstructs blood flow. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can also result from prolonged exposure to adrenaline. This puts extra strain on the heart muscle and raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Beyond physiological effects, chronic stress often drives unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity—all of which further heighten the risk of heart disease. The way individuals respond to stress can vary greatly depending on genetic predisposition and past experiences; for instance, those with a history of trauma or high-stress occupations may exhibit a heightened hormonal response even to everyday stressors, amplifying their cardiac risk.
Importantly, symptoms like chest discomfort, a racing heartbeat, or shortness of breath—especially when new or persistent—should never be brushed off as “just stress.” They warrant prompt medical evaluation to rule out or address potential heart issues. In clinical practice, it’s common to encounter patients without previous cardiac history presenting with stress-induced symptoms that closely mimic heart disease.
One important—yet frequently disregarded—aspect of preserving heart health is managing chronic stress. Stress hormones have a significant impact even if they may not be as obvious a risk factor as smoking or high blood pressure. Heart protection can be greatly enhanced by including regular exercise, mindfulness exercises, getting enough sleep, and promptly seeking medical attention.
