Can stress cause heart disease?

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Karen in Reno, Nevada. Can stress cause heart disease?

Too often, stress goes overlooked and can ultimately lead to more than just mental strains. In fact, stress is known to directly relate to the development of heart disease, irregular heartbeats, chest pains and high blood pressure. Additionally, intense stress plays a risk factor in worsening other health concerns such as high cholesterol and blood clots.

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to understand what is causing you to feel that way to begin with because not everything that may cause your stress will cause someone else stress. It’s sometimes difficult to decipher what is the culprit to your extra anxiousness.

Is someone that you know, ill? Has a loved one recently passed away? Is your job on the line? Is your relationship feeling especially distant lately?
There’s an endless list of reasons that you may be feeling stressed. Even if you can’t figure out the cause, your body will still send you warning signs, per se. You may feel dizzy, experience unusual headaches, exhaustion, weight gain, an upset stomach or indigestion. You may also find yourself being unable to concentrate, very forgetful, anxious, depressed, negative and nervous.