Manage Stress for Your Heart

Why is it important to lower my stress level?

Stress is the way we all react to change. It includes our mental, emotional, and physical responses to the pressures of everyday life. Change is a natural and normal part of life, and therefore a moderate amount of stress is part of normal living.

But, stress can be bad for your heart. If you have heart disease, stress can lead to Reference angina Opens New Window symptoms and maybe a heart attack.

How can I lower my stress level?

There are several steps you can take to help reduce your stress level. Doing so will have a positive impact on your health and your life.

Try different Reference ways to reduce stress such as exercise, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. For more tips on how to manage stress, see:

Reference Stop Negative Thoughts: Choosing a Healthier Way of Thinking.

No single method of "stress-busting" works for everybody. You may need to experiment with several different methods to find one that works for you. You may need to combine a few methods to get the best results.

When you find one or more methods that work for you, your mission is not yet accomplished. You also will need to change the situation that is causing you stress, if you can, or perhaps change your reaction to that situation.

For more information, see Reference Stress Management.

• Reference High Blood Pressure

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.