Stress and Heart Health

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on heart health. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiometabolic conditions.

Managing stress is important for maintaining heart health. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels. Learning to recognize and manage stress is a key component of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Common Questions about Stress and Heart Health

What is Systole Health?

Systole Health is a group-based virtual care service that helps women improve their heart and metabolic health. We offer medical care and coaching, making it easier for you to manage conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and heart disease.

How does group virtual care work?

Group virtual care involves up to 8 patients meeting virtually with a physician and certified health coach. These sessions focus on education, peer support, and personalized care to help you manage your health. You'll benefit from expert guidance and shared experiences with others going through similar challenges. Between sessions, you will have access to your care team and group through a secure app and platform that allows for group messaging, goal setting, and health data monitoring.

What conditions does Systole Health treat?

We specialize in managing cardiometabolic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, we help patients optimize their heart health after experiencing events like a heart attack or heart failure.

What is cardiometabolic health?

Cardiometabolic health refers to the interconnection between heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and excess weight. These factors are all linked, and managing them together is key to preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues.

How long does the program last?

Our core program lasts 6 weeks, with an option for bimonthly maintenance afterward to continue supporting your long-term health goals.

How does regular exercise benefit heart health?

Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, helps manage weight, and lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What types of exercise are best for improving cardiovascular health?

Aerobic exercises like walking, running, swimming, and cycling are excellent for improving cardiovascular health. Strength training and flexibility exercises, such as yoga, also provide added benefits for overall fitness.

How much exercise do I need to maintain a healthy heart?

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities two days a week.

Can exercise help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels?

Yes, regular exercise can help lower blood pressure by improving heart efficiency and reducing the stiffness of blood vessels. It can also raise HDL ("good") cholesterol and lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

What are the risks of not exercising for heart health?

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Lack of exercise can also contribute to poor circulation and reduced cardiovascular fitness.