This is how mental well-being influences the heart and brain

2023-05-08 16:51:11

Anxiety, stress and depression can have a negative impact on physical health and can even increase the risk of heart disease and strokeaccording to research presented in the scientific statement of the American Heart Association. These findings identified the strong interconnection between the mind, heart, and body.

“Research has clearly shown that negative psychological factors and personality traits and mental health disorders can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. The body’s biological reaction to stress, anxiety, and other types of mental health problems can manifest physically through an irregular heart rate or rhythm, and increased blood pressure and inflammation throughout the body,” notes Michelle. Albert, president of the American Heart Association.

“Negative psychological health is also associated with behaviors that affect health and are linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke, such as smoking, lower levels of physical activity, unhealthy eating, being overweight, and lack of compliance.” of dosage regimens. All of this has a real negative impact on the body’s cardiovascular system.”

Studies have shown that some people, including people of color, may face an increased risk of health problems due to chronic stress, depression, and anxiety related to psychosocial stressors, particularly those related to social and economic inequality. , discrimination, systemic racism and other social factors.

Thus, a recent investigation published in the «Journal of the American Heart Association» found that US adults who reported feeling severely discriminated against at work had a higher risk of developing high blood pressure than those who reported a low level of discrimination at work.

Albert said that identifying and addressing negative psychological feelings is important for everyone. The implementation of mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation or cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help reduce anxiety, perceived stress, and depression and can have a positive impact on cardiovascular disease and risk.

Positive psychological health is also associated with beneficial health behaviours, such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity, heart-healthy diet, increased adherence to dosing regimens, and regular medical check-ups and examinations. People with the best mental health tend to have social relationships, support and positive bondswhich can facilitate a healthier adaptation to life’s challenges.

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and behave. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make decisions,” said Albert, who is the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern Chair of Cardiology, a professor of medicine at University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and Dean of Admissions at the UCSF School of Medicine. “Practicing mindfulness in all its forms allows people to become more aware of and have more control over their emotional responses to daily life experiences.”

• Practice meditation regularly. While there are many types of meditation, even something as simple as communing with nature or sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can have a positive impact.

• Get enough sleep for a restful sleep. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep for good health, but 1 in 3 people does not get enough sleep. Establish a regular bedtime and wake routine and turn off or dim electronic screens as bedtime approaches

• Network and stay in touch: Check in and bond regularly with family and friends, or participate in activities to meet new people. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

• Practice Mindful Movement: There are many types of Yoga and Tai Chi that can help soothe the soul and muscles. These mindful practices can be gentle and can be done by almost anyone, anywhere, without the need for special equipment.

• Spend time with your pet friend: Companion animals are beloved members of the family, and research shows that pets can help reduce physiological reactions to stress, as well as promote better physical activity.

• Enhance it with physical activity: Regular physical activity (150 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both a week is recommended) can relieve tension, anxiety, and depression and improve your mood immediate way.

In a study presented at the 2022 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions adults with high blood pressure who participated in a program of mindfulness behavior during eight weeks they presented significantly lower blood pressure levels and a considerable reduction in sedentary time, in an evaluation carried out at six months of follow-up.

An investigation from China published in the journal«Stroke» found that after three months of practicing a modified form of Tai Chi, stroke survivors had better hand and arm function, better sitting balance, and better mental health and quality of life, compared with stroke survivors a stroke who participated in a standard stroke rehabilitation exercise program.