Excessive stress can take a toll on your health. From meddling with proper sleep, triggering anxiety and depression to harming gut health and posing threat to health, stress can wreck havoc on human body. A team of experts from University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa suggest people suffering from financial stress are at a 13 times higher risk of having heart attack. Researchers say people, majorly in the developing countries, are experiencing a hike in the chronic diseases of lifestyle such as myocardial infarction -- a medical condition that develops a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
"Our study suggests that psychosocial aspects are important risk factors for acute myocardial infarction. Often patients are counseled about stress after a heart attack but there needs to be more emphasis prior to an event," said Denishan Govender, Associate Professor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As stress becomes a part of our lifestyle, it is imperative that we take extra care of our health. Guarding our heart against the ill-effects of stress and a sedentary lifestyle is of the utmost importance. Minor dietary tweaks can go a long way in shielding your heart against the ill-effects. Trans-fat, red meat, excessive salt and sugar, refined food intake and alcohol may act against your heart's health. Ingredients like whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish and berries must be a regular part of your diet to ensure a healthy heart. Exercise regularly, manage stress and get enough sleep.
Inputs from IANS
