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.

CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF PHILADELPHIA

125 Medical Campus Dr # 101, Lansdale, PA
https://www.ccpdocs.com/

Over 100 physicians at CCP are experts in every aspect of cardiovascular care, but many are also certified in a variety of sub-specialties, enabling them to perform a full complement of tests and procedures for the benefit of the patients.

ADAM M. COHEN, MD

1235 Old York Rd # 222, Abington, PA
https://amscardiology.com/our-physicians/adam-cohen/

Dr. Adam M. Cohen is a board-certified noninvasive cardiologist who has been with Abington Medical Specialists since 2003. Dr. Cohen has a particular passion for and expertise in the area of cholesterol management and preventive cardiology and is the Director of the Preventive Cardiology and Dyslipidemia Program.

DR. ZEV JACOBSON, MD

 8120 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 
https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/find-a-doctor/j/jacobson-zev

Zev Jacobson M.D. specializes in Cardiovascular Medicine and practices in Elkins Park, PA