New research shows women are more affected by stress than men, putting us at a greater risk of heart disease.
While the relationship between mental stress symptoms and cardiovascular disease is already well-known, the study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that when under pressure, women with heart disease experience more serious complications than men with the same condition.
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More women than men experience decreased blood flow to the heart, which can damage the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently.
Women are also more likely to show early signs of blood clots forming, a process known as ‘increased platelet aggregation’ that can lead to heart attacks.
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While a certain level of stress is actually proven to be healthy, the researchers are now calling on doctors to take these findings into account when treating patients with heart disease.
Have you been feeling a bit stressed out or overwhelmed lately? Not to worry. There are heaps of things you can do to help reduce your anxiety levels and promote stress relief, including these ways to relieve stress.
Do you suffer from high stress levels? What are your best tips for letting go of stress and anxiety?
