The recent passing of Pepperfry’s CEO due to a heart attack raises questions about the impact of work stress on heart health.
The untimely demise of Abreesh Murty, the Co-founder and CEO of Pepperfry at the age of 51, due to a heart attack has sent shockwaves across the business community. Despite being known for his physical fitness and active lifestyle, Murty’s passing highlights the question: Can work-related stress be a contributing factor to heart issues? Can the pressures of work exert such extreme stress on individuals that it leads to adverse effects on heart health?
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Heart Health
According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, even minor stress can trigger heart problems by affecting blood flow to the heart muscle. Long-term stress can also impact blood clotting, making blood stickier and increasing the risk of stroke. Dr. Dhiman Kahali, Director of the Interventional Cardiology Department at BM Birla Heart Research Centre in Kolkata, affirms that “Mental stress is a big risk factor for heart disease. It is almost as bad as smoking for your heart.”
Individuals with Type A personalities, characterized by anxiety, excessive worry, a hectic lifestyle, skipping meals, and a relentless work ethic, are particularly vulnerable. Such high-stress lifestyles place excessive pressure on the heart. Stress and anxiety can cause blood sugar levels to spike, elevating heart rate and oxygen demand, thereby increasing the risk of conditions like stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.
Factors That Can Harm Heart Health
Dr. Kahali identifies several mental health factors that can detrimentally affect heart health:
- Extreme Panic, Anxiety, and Obsession: Intense emotional turmoil negatively impacts heart health.
- Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction: Isolation can lead to poor mental health and subsequently affect heart health.
- Lethargy and Poor Lifestyle Choices: Lack of exercise and unhealthy dietary habits can put additional stress on the heart.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Addictions can worsen mental health issues and are harmful to the heart.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Improving Heart Health
Dr. Kahali offers advice on managing stress for better heart health:
- Managing Expectations: Acceptance of the world and people around you helps manage expectations, reducing stress.
- Seek Professional Help: Consulting a mental health professional or joining support groups can provide valuable guidance.
- Regular Physical Activities: Engage in activities like brisk walking, cycling, or yoga to manage stress and improve heart health.
- Prioritize Quality Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily to lower stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness trigger the release of positive hormones.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: These substances worsen mental health and are detrimental to heart health.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, and intermittent fasting contribute to relaxation and lower blood pressure.
Dr. Kahali underscores the insidious nature of stress, labeling it a silent killer that can lead to severe health issues. He advises that dealing with stress is an ongoing effort. Consistency, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and practicing relaxation techniques are vital. Gaining control over the mind and cultivating relaxation even in challenging situations are crucial steps to safeguard both mental and heart health.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and treatment tailored to your health needs.]
