heart disease Archives - Be Well Solutions

Stress and Heart Disease

Stress and Heart Disease Read Time: 1 minute 6 seconds Stress can cause our heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to rise. This is a normal response and can be necessary at certain times. However, when stress sticks around for long periods of time, it can start to take a toll on the body. This includes many of our internal organs, including the heart. How Stress Affects the Heart When stress is prolonged and poorly managed, a higher level of the hormone cortisol lingers in the body. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, “Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure.” An elevation in these factors leads to a higher risk of heart disease. Chronic stress has also been shown to increase the rate [...]

Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke Awareness Month May is recognized as Stroke Awareness Month. Up to 80% of stroke cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes, and yet it remains the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Non-fatal strokes can also be tragic and life-altering. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are controllable stroke risk factors. You can manage these risks by eating a well-balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking. Exercise plays an important role in reducing your risk of stroke by lowering high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity or 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. To reap the most benefit, this exercise should be broken up and spread out throughout the week. There [...]