Protecting the heart from economic strain

Cardiovascular health could be affected by financial and food-related insecurities, according to a news article from CNN. Experts cited in the article broke down the steps individuals can take to improve their well-being by reducing daily stressors.

The research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggested that among more than 280,000 participants, those who reported financial stress and food insecurity exhibited more advanced signs of cardiovascular aging — including changes in blood vessel stiffness, heart muscle function and exertion response — compared with those of a similar age without financial or food-related insecurities. Because financial stress can be continuous and cause economic instability, this type of stress can have wide-ranging consequences over an individual’s sleep, access to healthy food and ability to achieve adequate levels of physical activity. The experts noted that chronic exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can adversely impact the cardiovascular system through elevated blood pressure, heart rate and inflammation.

Individuals who are concerned about how their stress may influence their cardiovascular health should take steps to maintain a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, partake in mindfulness practices and visit their clinicians to monitor cardiovascular risk factors. The experts proposed that clinicians should recognize financial stress as a component of patients’ overall cardiovascular risk as well as connect patients with resources to manage stress levels.

Read more: CNN

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