Dealing with the Unwelcome Guest of the Holiday Seasons- STRESS!
http://www.pcwomensjournal.com/articles/118/1/Dealing-with-the-Unwelcome-Guest-of-the-Holiday-Seasons--STRESS-/Page1.html
Noel Peterson, MD
Dr. Noel Peterson can be reached at By Noel Peterson, MD
Published on 12/1/2009
The holidays are an exciting time of year filled with parties, family gatherings, and festivities. While a time of merriment for most, it can also be a difficult time for people who have experienced the loss of family members, divorce or other life altering events. Along with the hustle, bustle and excitement comes stress.
The holidays are an exciting time of year filled with parties, family gatherings, and festivities. While a time of merriment for most, it can also be a difficult time for people who have experienced the loss of family members, divorce or other life altering events. Along with the hustle, bustle and excitement comes stress.
The relationship between stress, heart disease and sudden death has been recognized since antiquity. Stress plays a vital role in the manifestation of cardiac disease. When our bodies are stressed we revert back to the “fight or flight” response which increases the catecholamines such as adrenaline and cortisol and the release of inflammatory mediators. Inflammation plays a vital role in plaque rupture and myocardial infarction.
So, what are the warning signs of a heart attack?
* Chest Discomfort: Discomfort in center of chest lasting more than a few minutes, may be episodic. Can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain. Often confused with indigestion.
* Discomfort in other areas of upper body: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of Breath
* Other signs: breaking out in cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
These symptoms are not the “traditional “symptoms which come to mind when thinking of a heart attack. However, women often have more subtle symptoms than their male counterparts.
Heart attack symptoms in women may manifest as:
* A feeling of shortness of breath, may not be accompanied by any chest pain.
* Symptoms that are flu-like- feelings of nausea, cold sweats, and clamminess
* Weakness, unexplained fatigue, dizziness
* Pain in the neck, the jaw, the chest, shoulders, and upper back
* General discomfort, loss of appetite, and feelings of anxiety
Even though the symptoms of a heart attack can be vague and mild, remember that heart attacks producing mild symptoms can be just as serious as heart attacks that cause severe chest pain. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives.
The relationship between stress, heart disease and sudden death has been recognized since antiquity. Stress plays a vital role in the manifestation of cardiac disease. When our bodies are stressed we revert back to the “fight or flight” response which increases the catecholamines such as adrenaline and cortisol and the release of inflammatory mediators. Inflammation plays a vital role in plaque rupture and myocardial infarction.So, what are the warning signs of a heart attack?
* Chest Discomfort: Discomfort in center of chest lasting more than a few minutes, may be episodic. Can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain. Often confused with indigestion.
* Discomfort in other areas of upper body: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
* Shortness of Breath
* Other signs: breaking out in cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
These symptoms are not the “traditional “symptoms which come to mind when thinking of a heart attack. However, women often have more subtle symptoms than their male counterparts.
Heart attack symptoms in women may manifest as:
* A feeling of shortness of breath, may not be accompanied by any chest pain.
* Symptoms that are flu-like- feelings of nausea, cold sweats, and clamminess
* Weakness, unexplained fatigue, dizziness
* Pain in the neck, the jaw, the chest, shoulders, and upper back
* General discomfort, loss of appetite, and feelings of anxiety
Even though the symptoms of a heart attack can be vague and mild, remember that heart attacks producing mild symptoms can be just as serious as heart attacks that cause severe chest pain. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives.