Daily stress is killing your heart

File this one under the least surprising news ever: Stress will raise your blood pressure.  

Well, duh!  

While this may not be a groundbreaking discovery, though, in today’s climate—when pandemic fears still run rampant and adjusting to a new “normal” remains challenging—it’s definitely a topic worth revisiting… 

Because too much daily stress could be KILLING your heart! 

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest study…  

Doubled cortisol doubles heart risk 

This new research followed more than 400 adults between the ages of 48 and 87 years, all with normal blood pressure. (This is important because previous research has primarily focused on adults with existing hypertension.)   

Researchers measured levels of key stress hormones in the urine multiple times between 2005 and 2018. They looked at norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine—all involved in regulating bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. In addition to cortisol levels—the main stress hormone involved in your body’s fight or flight response. 

Then, they analyzed how many cardiovascular events—like hypertension, stroke, heart pain, heart attacks, and heart surgery—occurred during that timeframe. 

And surprise, surprise… the results are not good.  

In fact, this study found that a 50 percent increase in cortisol levels alone could raise your risk of a cardiovascular event by a whopping 90 percent.  

And every time all four of the above stress hormones doubled, the risk of developing hypertension rose by as much as 31 percent—especially among subjects younger than 60.    

(Remember, daily stressors—from work, relationship problems, money worries, etc.—can all create a surge in any of these stress-related hormones.)    

Safe, natural ways to combat stress 

Bottom line: Stress is a killer—and that’s especially true where your heart health is concerned.  

The good news is, there are many safe, affordable, and effective solutions to help manage stress—and as a result, safeguard your heart.  

For instance, proper diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep all go a long way in dulling the edges of daily stress. (Learn more about these approaches in my Ultimate Heart-Protection Protocol.) 

But there’s one more recommendation I offer to all of my patients looking for more powerful support: Cannabidiol (CBD). In fact, it’s quickly becoming my treatment of choice for anyone suffering from stress-related conditions, like anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.    

CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects like its cannabinoid counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—but clinical studies show it has a potent positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain. All without the mood swings, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction that so often accompany drug treatment for these conditions.  

In other words, this safe, natural plant really can do it all. And I’m thrilled that loosened restrictions on medical marijuana mean it’s easier to access than ever. Of course, that also means consumers need to be more wary of the various CBD products on the market. 

The CBD products I recommend to my patients are high quality and rigorously tested to assure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. They’re always made from full-spectrum hemp, and my newest favorite product uses olive oil as a carrier.  

To learn more about how to find a CBD product that really works—including form and dosage—check out the July 2020 issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter (“Ready to try CBD?”). If you’re not yet a subscriber, click here now to become one today!  

Source: 

“Higher stress levels raise blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds.” CNN, 09/13/2021. (cnn.com/2021/09/13/health/stress-levels-heart-wellness/index.html)