Reset your stressed heart this REDFEB

WITH cost-of-living pressure rising in recent years, stress has become the silent epidemic of modern life – and it is quietly breaking our hearts.

Health experts warn chronic stress is compromising how our hearts function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and even sudden cardiac events.

Recent national data shows nearly half of Australians say financial worries are the biggest factor affecting their wellbeing, while more than a third of workers report feeling burnt out every week.

“Most people think of stress as emotional or mental, but the heart feels it too,” Heart Research Australia chief executive officer Nicci Dent said.

“We’ve normalised being wired and tired – but living in stress mode is like leaving your car engine running all night. The cost-of-living squeeze means many Australians feel like every day is a crisis – and our hearts are paying the price.”

Cardiologist Dr Avedis Ekmejian said stress can harm the heart suddenly or slowly over time.

“A sudden surge of stress hormones – like an angry outburst or a major shock – can trigger a serious cardiac event, such as a heart attack due to a blocked artery, or sometimes even stress cardiomyopathy or ‘broken heart syndrome,’ where the heart muscle temporarily weakens.

“The slow grind of chronic stress also has adverse effects on the heart. As you would expect, if we are constantly exposed to stress without any recovery periods, this will result in blood pressure issues, and modifies our metabolism, increasing cholesterol and sugar levels. This can increase the incidence of coronary disease, among other cardiac conditions.

“Our stress system is meant to spike and then return to baseline – when it never resets, that’s when the risks build up silently.”

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Miranda Say said stress doesn’t just wear people down, it changes how the brain works.

“Stress itself is not a bad thing – it’s critical for our safety and wellbeing. The real danger is when stress never switches off.

“When stress hormones surge, the brain switches into survival mode. When this is chronic, people end up groggy in the morning, restless at night, and stuck in a constant state of tension. We might notice that we snap, lose focus or are making poor decisions. This is a sign that the body isn’t returning to baseline.”

Recognising these signals – poor sleep, constant tension, headaches or snapping at small things – is the first step to resetting. The good news is that everyday actions can bring stress systems back into balance through connection:

* To self: mindful breathing, journalling, yoga, or simply pausing to notice how you feel

* To others: a hug, a laugh, an act of kindness or sharing a meal, and

* To nature: even one hour outdoors can reduce cortisol and blood pressure more effectively than another hour in front of a screen.

This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia is encouraging Australians to have some fun with their heart health by taking part in the free REDFEB Bingo Challenge:

• Meals – Invite a friend over for a home-cooked meal or try a new heart-healthy recipe

• Movement – dance in the kitchen, take the stairs, or go for a walk with a friend

• Measurement – check your blood pressure, cholesterol, or other key health indicators, and

• Mental attitude – consciously slow down your breath, laugh with a friend, or spend an hour in nature.

For more information or to donate to Heart R, head to heartresearch.com.au