How Stress Impacts Your Heart & What You Can Do – American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and it serves as a reminder that heart health isn't just about what you eat or how often you exercise – it's also about how you handle stress. While stress is a normal part of daily life, chronic stress that goes untreated can quietly take a toll on your heart over time. Understanding the connection is the first step toward protecting both your emotional well-being and your cardiovascular health.

Stress can affect the choices we make without us even noticing. When life feels overwhelming, it's easier to skip workouts, grab convenient but less nutritious foods, sleep less than normal and spend more time on the couch and less time moving, and outside. These small habits can gradually increase heart disease risk. That's why managing stress is not just about your mental health, it's a core part of heart health too.

The goal isn't to eliminate stress entirely – that isn't realistic. Instead, focus on helping your body recover and building habits that lower its impact.

1. Move Your Body Regularly – physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and boosts mood. Even short walks, stretching or dancing around the kitchen can make a difference.
2. Take Sleep Seriously – Sleep is when your body resets and it's so important for your overall health. Aim for a consistent bedtime and create a wind-down routine that helps your body relax.
3. Practice Calming Techniques – Simple strategies like deep breathing, stepping outside for fresh air or short, quiet moments are great to have in your back pocket for the times you need them.

DOYLESTOWN HEALTH CARDIOLOGY

315 W State St, Doylestown, PA | 599 W State St Suite 200, Doylestown, PA
https://www.doylestownhealth.org/service-lines/heart-and-vascular/cardiology

Doylestown Health's cardiologists are at the center of the Heart and Vascular Center's multidisciplinary team of specialists that includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, radiologists, and vascular surgeons. They offer highly personalized, comprehensive heart care using innovative technology.

COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOLOGY

 St. Clare Building, 1203 Langhorne Newtown Rd Suite 320, Langhorne, PA
Website

From promoting good heart-health to providing the most effective treatments available to patients, Cardiology Langhorne (formerly St. Mary Comprehensive Cardiology) is ready to guide you through the complexities of any cardiovascular condition. It is a member of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group.

GRAND VIEW HEALTH CARDIOLOGY ALDERFER AND TRAVIS

145 N Main St Suite 400, Dublin, PA
https://www.slhn.org/

At St. Luke's Heart & Vascular Center, an eight-time nationally ranked Top 50 Heart Hospital, they are dedicated to offering unmatched heart care tailored to you. The team provides comprehensive treatments, focused on patient-centered care.