Blogs about Medical, Health & Recovery

A recent survey by HeartLife Clinics shows that many women are unaware that mental health issues can affect heart health. Chronic stress can even trigger stress-related heart attacks. Nearly 90 percent of participants said they experience stress regularly, yet 56 percent did not know about this connection. Founder and cardiologist Janneke Wittekoek, who focuses on women's heart health, says more awareness is needed. She treats thousands of women with unexplained cardiovascular symptoms in her clinic. 'Prevention starts with knowledge. That's why we carry out these surveys—so we can respond better to the risks when people understand them,' she explains.The results surprised her: many women live with stress without knowing the possible consequences. 'Stress can have such a severe impact on the female heart that it can cause stress-induced heart attacks,' Wittekoek says. 'In such cases, the blood vessels around the heart constrict, reducing oxygen supply and causing symptoms.' Ongoing symptoms such as chest pain or pain between the shoulder blades can, in some cases, lead to heart damage. The good news is that this damage is almost never permanent.