Once upon a time, there was a charismatic drummer and singer, known as the frontman of the legendary band Queen — Freddie Mercury. His music moved the world and made hearts race. Yet, as great as his fame was, his emotional burdens and ultimately his tragic death highlight the invisible but very real connection between psychological stress and our heart health. This story represents many, and in a time when psychosocial stress is often underestimated, we want to take a look at the hidden dangers that can literally break the heart.

Psychosocial stress Psychosozialer Stressemotional or mental stress arising from the social environment is an omnipresent part of our lives, whether through professional challenges, interpersonal conflicts, or economic uncertainties. While short-term stress can be helpful in preparing us for dangerous situations, the long-term effects on our bodies are less welcome. Our heart, which continuously pumps blood to supply every cell with oxygen, can be heavily burdened by prolonged stress. Over time, this can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungendiseases affecting the heart or blood vessels.

Stress can negatively affect our kardiovaskuläres Systemcardiovascular system and increase our risk of developing conditions such as koronare Herzerkrankungencoronary heart diseases or Herzinsuffizienzinadequate heart function over time. Studies show that psychological stress can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, ultimately damaging the walls of our blood vessels and promoting inflammation ^[1]. These physiological changes can lead to the development of Atherosklerosehardening and narrowing of the arteries, which plays a central role in the onset of heart attacks. The good news is that stress management techniques and regular medical check-ups can help mitigate these risks ^[1].

The scientific exploration of the connection between psychological stress and heart diseases has gained significance in recent years. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 28 studies with a total of 658,331 participants found that individuals with high psychological stress have a 28% increased risk of developing a kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungcardiovascular disease compared to those with low or no stress ^[1]. A notable aspect of this study is its size and the diversity of the studied populations, which lends high relevance to the findings. Nevertheless, research also shows that there are differences in effects based on gender, encouraging future studies to delve deeper into gender differentiation ^[1].

To reduce the risks of stress-related heart diseases, regular medical check-ups are an effective tool. They can detect warning signs early and allow for timely intervention ^[1]. Additionally, stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can be integrated into daily life. Physical activity also plays a significant role and should not be underestimated. Simple activities like walking daily or cycling can work wonders when it comes to reducing stress and strengthening the heart.

Emotions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on our heart health. By becoming aware of the danger of stress-related heart problems, we can take preventive action. Whether through regular check-ups, stress-relieving activities, or simply by moving more in our daily lives: every small step can make a big difference. We all have the power to take our health into our own hands and protect our hearts.