Being under stress for too long is bad for your heart.

 If you often feel stressed and there is no good way to deal with it, you are more likely to have heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, or arrhythmia.

 Stress itself can be a problem. It raises your blood pressure and constant exposure to stress hormones is not good for your body. Studies have also linked stress to changes in blood clotting, making it more prone to a heart attack.

 The way you deal with stress also plays a role. Things get worse if you react to it in an unhealthy way, for example, if you don't smoke, don't eat too much, or don't exercise. On the other hand, when you exercise when stressed, connect with people, and find purpose, your emotions and body will be different.

 You can also request:

 Change what you can do to reduce your stress. Accept that there are some things you cannot control. Before you agree to do something, consider whether you can do it. It's okay to say 'no' to requests that make your life even more stressful.

Stay in touch with the people you love. We recommend that you rest every day. You can read books, listen to music, meditate, pray, do yoga and tai chi, write a diary and think about what is good in your life.

Be active! When you exercise, you are better prepared to relieve some of your stress and deal with your problem. Some people feel stressed because they are depressed. If this is yours, seek help from your doctor or counselor. Depression is associated with heart disease and is treatable.

 If you're struggling to change how you deal with stress, take a stress management class, read a book on stress management, or schedule a few sessions with your therapist. It is an investment in your health and quality of life now and for years to come.