Nowadays, heart-related problems are increasing rapidly and a major reason behind this is mental problems. Mental health directly affects physical health, and some mental conditions can increase the risk for heart disease. In such a situation, let us know how mental illnesses increase the risk of heart disease.

Mental illnesses and heart diseases: In today's time, cases of heart disease are increasing rapidly. Unhealthy eating, stress-filled lifestyle and lack of physical activity are considered to be the major reasons for this. Heart disease is a condition in when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. This problem can be caused by blockage, high BP, cholesterol and fat accumulated in the veins. In such a situation, a person may have to face heart attack, stroke or other serious heart related diseases. Earlier this problem was seen only in older people, but now the youth are also falling prey to it. The most important reason behind this is the changing lifestyle and mental pressure.

Mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected. Problems like constant mental stress or depression can directly affect the heart. In a state of stress, hormonal changes occur in the body, which can cause abnormal blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term anxiety or depression leads to lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits and smoking and alcohol consumption. All these things put additional pressure on the heart and gradually increase the risk of heart disease. According to research by the American Heart Association , the risk of heart attack and stroke has been found to be much higher in people suffering from mental illnesses than in normal individuals.

Which mental problems increase the risk

Certain mental conditions increase the risk of heart disease. The most prominent among these is depression. A person suffering from depression often struggles with lack of energy, insomnia and negative thinking, which affects the heart. Apart from this, anxiety disorder creates a state of constant stress, which increases blood pressure and puts pressure on the nerves. Chronic stress is also a major cause of heart disease, because it increases stress hormones like cortisol in the body, which harms the functioning of the heart.

According to some studies, such as the American Heart Association and JAMA Cardiology , people with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have a higher risk of heart disease. All these mental problems not only affect a person's lifestyle, but also have a direct impact on the heart.

How to protect yourself

Include exercise and yoga in your daily routine.

To reduce stress, adopt meditation and deep breathing techniques.

Eat a healthy and nutritious diet and get adequate sleep.

Stay away from addictive habits like smoking and alcohol.

Do not ignore mental problems, consult a doctor if needed.

Spend time with family and friends, maintain social connections.

Keep getting health checkups done from time to time so that the problem can be detected at an early stage.