Attending To Emotions That Lesson Heart Disease Risks In Women

By Linda Penkala, Author, LMT

Optimum Health For Life

. http://www.lindapenkala.com/

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Attending To Emotions That Lesson Heart Disease Risks In Women

            Shedding light on the impact that emotions have on women’s heart health becomes more valuable as we age. Understanding this link between emotions in a positive way can lessen CVD risk factors, as 70-90% of all illness and disease is stress related, states the American Medical Association. Not surprisingly, much of the emotional stress women are feeling, especially post pandemic, is relational, not just workplace related. Since we can be more relational than men, we may have an increased propensity toward negative emotions impacting heart health.

            Locally, in Maryland, Dr. Erin Michos, director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore simply says: “Mood can influence your health.” Research reveals that negative emotions of hostility, anger and pessimism are linked to rising heart disease risks, while lessening the ability to heal from a heart attack.

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/02/25/why-experts-say-a-good-mood-can-lead-to-good-health

Chronic stress has its physiological manifestations in the body/mind by way of depression, anxiety, fear, pain and impaired mental health. The body’s “wired in” 911 call for help via the sympathetic nervous system during stress’s fight-flight-fear loop, at times may be stuck at sounding the bell constantly with a steady surge of cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine. This in turn begins the start of inflammation that impacts the heart, brain and every organ.

            The good news is, there is hope, as statistics show feelings of gratitude, optimism, happiness and simply life satisfaction have a positive influence on the heart and brain! Neutralizing the negative emotional reactions with emotional self-regulating tools, allow for the parasympathetic nervous system (the Vagus nerve) to be upregulated for restoration and calming. Here are some intentional resources, moving toward robust health:

AWARENESS TOOLS FOR LIFE:

• BREATHWORK: Box breathing taught in the Navy Seals training for focus, calm and clarity: inhale for 4 counts, pause for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, pause for 4 counts.
• MINDFULNESS: Being aware of your present state of feelings and stress.
• MEDITATION: Taking a few minutes to be still, present and in a peaceful state.
• PRAYER: If you are a faith filled person, praying to God is a grounding, meaningful moment in the day.
• PRACTICING INTENTION: Awareness that you have a choice to be still, present and flowing with a state of gratitude and joy.
• FIND YOUR FRIENDS: Choose to schedule gal time for food, fun, and laughter.
• VOLUNTEER FOR A CAUSE: Super research is showing the steep decline in stress when partnering with other like-minded volunteers for a passionate cause.
• HEART HEALTH EDUCATION: Take time to read and listen to women on their heart health journey, and invest in my book, The Pause to Relax Ladies for Robust Heart Health for a deeper, thorough dive!