Strong brain for a healthy heart, learn about the connection between them

You probably already know that protecting your heart health requires eating well, exercising, and controlling known risk factors for heart disease.

But did you know that your brain also plays an important role in heart health?

In recent years, researchers have increasingly found links between poor mental health and an increased risk of heart disease.

In addition, some problems that affect mental health and some mental health disorders can also cause physical changes that can increase the risks of heart disease.

In this article, learn how mental health affects heart health and how to take care of these organs that play a key role in your overall well-being.

Stress

Long-term stress can increase blood pressure, reduce blood flow to the heart, decrease the heart's pumping capacity, cause abnormal pumping rates, and activate the blood clotting system and its inflammatory response.

Traumatic childhood experiences

Past traumatic experiences during childhood, such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, parental neglect, or domestic violence, can increase the risk of developing health-damaging behaviors, such as the use of substances harmful to the body.

A 2020 study that AgroWeb.org was based on found that adults who experienced certain traumatic events during childhood were at greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

DEPRESSION

The relationship between depression and heart disease is a two-way street

According to experts, depression can double the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Other studies show that people who already have cardiovascular disease are three times more likely to be depressed than other people.

And depression is a risk factor for a subsequent heart attack in people who have had one.

This may be partly true because people who are depressed are less likely to quit smoking, take prescribed medications, or exercise even after a heart attack.

wrath

According to a research, people who are usually angry are two to three times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Social isolation

According to research in recent years, people who live alone are much more likely to suffer a heart attack or die suddenly from one.

On the other hand, people with a network of good friends also have better heart and mental health.

How to take care of brain and heart health?

If you are struggling with any of the mental health issues there are things you can do to improve it and potentially your heart health.

Consult a professional – A mental health professional can help you deal with many challenges, including past trauma.

Make lifestyle improvements – Making small changes to improve your health, like eating more fruits and vegetables or walking can really help!

Try to do physical activities that you enjoy and that can help you stay motivated.

Keep your brain active – Activities that stimulate your brain can help improve your mental health

 

Reduce stress – Although it's a real challenge, one strategy that can help is meditation, which encourages awareness and focus on the present.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can also help keep stress levels under control./AgroWeb.org