Risk factors

Stress: Don't sweat the small stuff

Intermittent stress is an integral part of being human and it's not all bad. It can be a positive motivating factor for growth and achievement, but when the sources of stress in your life are ambiguous, prolonged or from several sources at once, stress can reach dangerous levels.

The body has a specific automatic and rather primitive response to stress. It triggers the release of adrenaline, causing your heart to beat faster and blood pressure and respiratory rates to increase. The pupils of your eyes dilate. Your body is ready to react to the enemy just as primitive man did. He either fought his predators or used his revved-up state to flee.

But the enemy has changed and the fight or flight response is no longer appropriate for today's work and social pressures. Symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, anger and the inability to concentrate are signs stress may be putting you at increased risk for heart disease.

There are many techniques to help you cope with stress such as reducing your intake of caffeine, eating balanced meals, increasing exercise and mastering meditation techniques.

Next page: Diagnosis and treatment of heart disease

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Last revised: May 22, 2007 (dh)

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