The intertwining of mental health with cardiovascular health has, of late, started to gain attention from the medical community. Mental conditions such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are more than just emotional states; they impact one’s physical wellbeing in the form of cardiovascular trouble. Dr. Maria Tehrani, a noted cardiologist in Westwood and Los Angeles, highlights the importance of this connection and recommends a combined approach for mental and heart health.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Heart Disease

Mental illnesses add to the cardiovascular burden in the form of cardiovascular risk factors at heart, along with direct physiological implications or active health-related behaviors. Stress, anxiety, or depression negatively impact the heart by worsening its condition and accelerating hearth related diseases.

The Issues that Control Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease

Effects of Stress and its Hormones:

Mental health disorders lead to anxiety and stress which later evolves into ‘fight or flight’ response, elevating adrenaline and cortisol levels. This further results in the following:

– Increased heart rates as well as elevated blood pressure which causes Hypertension.
– Elevation of inflammation and stress which Plaque build up while directly damaging and increasing arteries.

* Results in increased insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which contribute heavily to cardiovascular disease.

Chronic Inflammation

Stress, anxiety, and depression influence the immune system, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. Increased inflammation markers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) further accelerate the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Disturbances of Cardiac Rhythm

Anxiety disorders and intense stress are mental health factors that can lead to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. These abnormal heart rhythms dramatically raise the risk of serious cardiovascular issues including atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.

Endothelial Dysfunction

The endothelium, as the inner layer of your blood vessels, has a significant impact on the heart’s health. Chronic stress and depression affects the endothelium by reducing The vascular’s ‘stretchiness’ or efficiency, resulting in lower adaptability to hypertension, and greater rate of heart diseases.

Behavioral Attitudes Heightening Cardiovascular Disease Risks

Some mental health illnesses may also affect heart health in indirect ways, especially in terms of behavior:

Inactivity

People suffering from anxiety or depression have reduced motivation to engage in physical activities, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. This contributes to cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, as well as diabetes, and hypertension.

Downfalls of Dietary Choices

The pressure caused by mental health concerns may lead to increase in unhealthy dietary behaviors such as emotional eating, binge eating, or craving highly processed and sugary foods leading to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Addiction

Those with poor mental health are more likely to take up unhealthy habits such as: smoking, excessive drinking, and illicit drug use which greatly increases chances of cardiovascular disease.

Approaches that will improve mental and heart health

As psychotherapy focuses more deeply on improving a client’s mental health, cardiovascular health is also enhanced simultaneously. ACBT works to alleviate, and reverse the damage caused by chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Psychotherapy

In cases of depression and anxiety, psychotherapy is not only effective, but can vastly improve the quality of life of many individuals. With anger management strategies, there is decreasing emotional stress.

Therapy Work

Sometimes medication needs to be included, Multidisciplinary approaches serve to make both a client’s mental and cardiovascular wellbeing standards on the rise by reducing stress and providing peace in the body.

Meditation

Mindfulness activities especially belly breathing aim to reset the body and mind relieving stress levels, blood pressure and inflammation which enhances heart health.

Regular Physical Activity

Everyone should make it a point to regularly work out. Exercise, in particular, can boost one’s mood, alleviate feelings of tension, increase blood pressure, enhance the functioning of blood vessels, and improve cardiovascular health.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

The adoption of a healthier diet, smoking cessation, moderation in alcohol use, and sufficient sleep can have an immense positive impact on mental and heart health.

The Role of Social Support

Mental health outcomes related to stress and depression are much better in individuals who have strong social and community ties. With regards to illnesses of the heart, social ties improve patients’ emotional resilience, their ability to receive practical help, and encourage healthier behavior.

Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help

Understanding the impact mental health issues can have on overall wellness is important. Stressed individuals, those who feel sad or anxious for long periods, suffer from vague aches like chest pain or racing heart, feel tired without much exertion, and many more should get themselves checked immediately.

Comprehensive Care with Dr. Maria Tehrani

Dr. Maria Tehrani offers complete cardiovascular care that includes the psych and emotional aspects for patients in Westwood and Los Angeles. She conducts thorough assessments, prepares tailored treatment strategies, and works with mental health professionals to ensure all her patients’ needs are met holistically.

Community and Societal Implications

Mental and cardiovascular health issues have a serious effect on other people’s lives, especially on the families, workplaces, and communities. Westwood and the bigger Los Angeles region can enhance public health and the quality of life by proper measures aimed at improving awareness and taking preventive actions.

Taking Control of Your Health

Mental health contributes positively towards the emotional aspects of an individual. It is also important for the heart. Therefore, the patient’s first step should be taking action. For better health in the future, Dr. Maria Tehrani’s office in Westwood should be contacted in order to schedule a consultation.