The American Psychological Association stated Americans’ stress levels rose dramatically in last 12 months. Chronic stress is well known to elevate stress hormones (catecholamines). This normal response easily goes into overdrive with an almost constant elevation causing high blood pressure, arteries clamping down (vasoconstriction), heart racing even at rest, and heart beating irregularly (arrhythmias). These changes are all ‘big time’ negative to good health. These flight or fight hormones – catecholamines – have been said to be responsible for some amazing actions by individuals. Over time however permanent changes result in what is called the “broken heart syndrome”.
If there is no de-stress time, the normal up and down levels of catecholamine circulating in blood can’t occur. This takes a toll on heart muscle causing the dysfunction termed ‘stress cardiomyopathy’ or ‘Takotsubo” cardiomyopathy, a well recognized and studied condition. This dysfunction of the heart muscle will become recognized resulting from sudden emotional stress, including such as receiving bad news, and results in acute weakening of the heart muscle leading to heart failure or arrhythmias. This condition was first described in Japan and termed ” Karōshi” (translated – ‘overwork death’).
Work – Play balance is needed otherwise with time your will body fail. Over worked, stressed individuals commonly suffer nutrition and sleep problems, which sadly in some contributes to death.
TRY something simple: floating therapy
Leave a Reply