Issue 88
How Stress Triggers a Heart Attack
What is Stress?
Lifestyle Tips for Management of Stress
Supplemental Management of Stress and Energy
Herbal Management of Stress
How Stress Triggers a Heart Attack
Scientists believe they have found some vital clues to how stress can trigger
a heart attack in vulnerable patients. UK researchers focused on men who had
suffered a heart attack or acute heart pain triggered by stress. They found
evidence that stress can elevate blood pressure over an extended period, and
trigger the release of high levels clot-forming platelets. The University College
London (UCL) study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The UCL team looked at 34 men who had suffered a heart attack or severe chest
pain an average of 15 months earlier. From these they identified 14 whose symptoms
had been preceded by acute stress, anger and depression. The volunteers were
given a series of stressful tasks to do, including imagining stressful situations
and making a speech. Measurements were then taken of their blood pressure and
chemistry.
In all men the blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output increased in response
to the induced stress. But in the group identified as particularly vulnerable
to stress, blood pressure took longer to return to normal levels. This group
also recorded higher levels of platelets - the small blood cells that form clots
to stop bleeding - in their blood. Platelets clump together to stop bleeding
when a tear occurs in the vessel wall during a heart attack. However, they in
turn can cause a blockage in the heart which prevents the blood from flowing
in the heart.
What is Stress?
Stress is defined as a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors
that tend to alter an equilibrium. Physically, stress results from overused
and fatigued organs. Psychologically, stress is the inability to cope with daily
confrontations.
In either form, stress can lead to changes in the body secretions (especially
by the endocrine system), changes in blood circulation, and increased muscle
tension, which lead to greater susceptibility to physical illness, mental and
emotional problems, and accidental injuries. While a degree of stress stimulates
a person toward performance, over-stimulation can lead to serious psychological
conditions, nervous breakdowns, and significantly reduce a persons lifespan.
The following situations may lead to stress for an individual: hospitalisation,
debt, marriage or reconciliation, change of job, loss of job, retirement, problems
at work, change in finances, sexual difficulties, divorce or separation, and
death in the family.
Lifestyle Tips for Management of Stress
There are different approaches to coping with stress. These range through teaching
the individual to manage their stress through relaxation techniques; advising
dietary or supplementary support to encourage physical and emotional wellbeing.
" Take regular moderate exercise, walk round the block at lunchtime
and go to the gym or swim occasionally. This helps build stamina and resistance
to stress.
" Learn some relaxation techniques; practice breathing properly.
" Reduce coffee, tea and other caffeine-containing drinks as they have
a stimulant effect, and are also diuretic, which adds a further stress on the
body.
" Reduce alcohol. Initially, it gives the feel good factor, but is a
depressant.
" Drink more water, at least 1.5 liters a day
" Eat more fresh fruit, salads and vegetables
Supplemental Management of Stress and Energy
Many changes that happen in the body during stressful situations have nutritional
implications because certain nutrients are key players in the bodys biochemical
reactions.
B vitamins are vital for the release of energy from food. Energy is a basic
need of all body processes and requirements increase during the periods of stress.
B vitamins are needed for the optimal functioning of the nervous system. Blood
levels of these nutrients have been noted to be lower than normal in stressed
individuals. This is perhaps because of poor eating habits when under stress,
or it may be due to increased requirements for B vitamins due to the stress
response and consequent changes in metabolism. Pantothenic acid (B5) has a known
role in the function of the adrenal gland and in the production of corticosteroid
hormones. B Vitamins are best taken as a complex.
For repair of physiological stress the body needs Vitamin C, as it reduces
the harmful effects of the stress hormones through its antioxidant activity
and improves the bodys ability to deal with the stress response. During times
of stress, urinary excretion of vitamin C is increased. Today it is often recommended
that we obtain extra vitamin C from supplementation, together with an increase
in vitamin C rich foods to maintain immune health during times of stress.
Magnesium stores in the body are depleted by stress. It is closely involved
in energy release as it is an essential cofactor in energy producing reactions.
It is also required for nerve and muscle function. Magnesium rich foods are
mainly green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, meat and dairy.
Low levels of Zinc are common in people suffering from stress. This is especially
noticeable where stress has had negative effects on health. Some foods rich
in zinc are shellfish, pumpkin seeds, whole grains and dairy.
Lactobacillus acidophilus helps maintain healthy gut flora, by providing a
source of "friendly" bacteria and balancing pH in the intestine, which
becomes disturbed in times of stress.
Coenzyme Q10 is vital in powering the bodys energy production (ATP) cycle,
the energy source necessary for driving all the functions performed by the cell.
CoQ10 is found throughout the body in cell membranes, especially in the mitochondrial
membranes and is particularly abundant in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys,
spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. The total body content of CoQ10 is only
about 500-1500mg, a level which falls with age. The body can synthesise CoQ10
and it is also found in several dietary sources, notably organ meats. CoQ10
plays a part in immune function; we may need to supplement during illness, or
while recuperating.
Herbal Management of Stress
Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen that helps body systems ability to adapt in
different circumstances such as noise, temperature or physical exertion. Reported
to improve the bodys ability to deal with stress, it helps the body metabolise
harmful lactic and pyruvic acids released during the stress reaction, and encourages
more efficient energy production.
Rhodiola: Possesses adaptogenic properties, which are shown to increase physical
endurance and mental health, especially during periods of stress.
St. Johns Wort: Possesses a sedative action due to the active ingredient hypericin
which has a tranquilising action in humans.
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