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Cardiac Calmers

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Published: January 31, 2009

What effect is stress having on our health, and what can we do about it?

Stress can cause increasing physical demands on the body constriction of the coronary blood vessels and heightened electrical instability in the heart, says Keith Churchwell, executive medical director of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute.
Emotional stress also can lead to decreased heart rate variability and elevated blood pressure, making the heart work harder by putting even greater stress on the whole cardiovascular system.

Many people react to stress by eating poorly, stopping exercise, smoking, drinking and missing medications. But Churchwell offers these tips to avoid letting stress get the better of you:

•If you have a positive routine in terms of stress relief, such as exercise, stay on it.

•If you have to work 12 to 14 hours a day, take the time to eat healthfully. Avoid junk food.

•Continue to take your medications as prescribed.

•Don't resort to smoking and drinking alcohol as "stress relievers."

•If you experience chest pain, seek the care of a health care professional.

Newswise

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