Most people know that stress and other negative feelings aren’t good for your heart, but did you know there’s a growing body of evidence that indicates positive feelings can actually lead to better heart and brain health? That’s right, a sunny disposition can do more than just keep you smiling — it can actually have a real impact on your physical health. A recently issued scientific statement published by the American Heart Association highlights the numerous ways your mental health can impact your physical health — specifically your heart and brain health.
How Negative Emotions Impact Your Body
“It’s important to understand the strength and power that emotional responses can have on our physical health,” explains Dr. Jessica Tomasula, PhD, WakeMed health psychologist and manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health services.
That’s because strong negative emotions like stress, anxiety, depression or anger can activate certain portions of the brain that trigger the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones make your heart beat faster and can increase your blood pressure — neither of which are good for people with a heart condition. At the same time, extended periods of stress
can affect coagulation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke. Lastly, over time, stress leads to inflammation and can negatively impact your body’s immune system function. Studies have also shown that people who have a negative outlook and/or a hostile attitude are at an increased risk of heart disease, may suffer from poorer cognitive health, and could have more trouble recovering from a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack.
“While negative emotions over time can be harmful, it’s important not to avoid your feelings,” Dr. Tomasula continues. “Instead, feelings need to be managed in the same way we control blood pressure or other vital signs that can wreak havoc on our health. If you’re not managing your mood, it’s likely your overall health isn’t adequately managed, either. It is helpful to determine what coping strategies you can routinely use to manage stress and enlist the support of others when needed.”
East Carolina University professor and cardiac psychologist Dr. Sam Sears further explains the connection between physical and mental health. For decades, Dr. Sears has studied and worked with cardiovascular patients to determine the psychological impact of various cardiovascular conditions, events and treatments — and how to combat those effects for better mental health.
“Not only can chronic stress cause physical problems, it can make patients less likely to practice good self-care. For example, those who are feeling depressed, overly stressed or anxious may avoid exercise, or indulge in unhealthy foods, excess alcohol or substance abuse. Others may avoid seeing their physician or stop taking medications as prescribed. All of these things can aggravate existing health problems and lead to poorer outcomes.”
How a Positive Attitude Can Improve Health
On the other hand, experts say that positive feelings can help lower stress and affect brain circuitry — in essence, rewiring the brain. Research shows that optimism, gratitude, happiness and a sense of purpose have been associated with favorable heart health. At the same time, the absence of stress can help reduce the volume of cortisol that goes through the body, which can keep your blood pressure and heart rate down. Finally, patients who feel better mentally are more likely to exercise, eat healthy and follow their medical treatment plan.
Struggling with Your Mental Health?
If you’re struggling with chronic feelings of sadness, anger, stress or anxiety, our WakeMed Primary Care providers can help. Find a location that works for you and schedule an appointment. Early intervention may help combat the potential impacts on your heart and brain health and help you cope more successfully with life’s challenges.
This article is reprinted from our Summer 2021 issue of Heart to Heart Magazine. Join our mailing list to read more tips on heart health along with innovations in cardiovascular care.
