Impact of Stress on Heart Health: How Extreme Workload Takes a Toll |

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, Work stress poses a silent but serious threat to health. Particularly in high-risk industries, the toll of unrelenting pressure is felt in both physical and mental health.
Chronic stress causes elevated levels of cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol plays an important role in managing the immediate stress response, but prolonged elevated cortisol can disrupt the body’s equilibrium. persistently High cortisol levels are associated with high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and metabolic imbalance.
Stress also stimulates the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which in the long run can worsen high blood pressure and contribute to arterial plaque buildup. This combination increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Cortisol is essential for a rapid stress response, but consistently high levels create stress and throw the body out of balance. Because cortisol remains elevated for long periods of time, it affects blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and various metabolic disorders. Apart from worsening high blood pressure, adrenaline and other stress hormones released to solve problems can cause arterial plaque formation, increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
Stress can also lead to other actions that can further damage the heart or worsen heart conditions. Improper diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, lack of exercise – all things that are formed as stress relief methods are ways to worsen cardiovascular and overall health..
Being a doctor myself, I constantly encounter different patient populations, so I have met many young professionals who are suffering from the effects of their work. These people usually have a variety of stress-related physical symptoms, most of which are mental and heart diseases.
These patients are often referred as young corporate employees, IT employees, healthcare providers, and individuals working in high-risk areas.. The most frequent patient complaints include chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, chest pain, and palpitations. While most remain connected to their profession, some say they suffer from depression, burnout, and other mental illnesses that are strongly linked to the workplace.
After all, the combination of excessive work pressure and competitive pressure directly leads to many negative effects on human health. these The problem should be recognized with employers, policy makers and society Therefore, employee health is evaluated on a par with employee performance.
Extreme work stress is not just a personal problem, it is a public health concern. Recognizing its significant impact and taking steps to reduce workplace pressures can pave the way to healthier, happier, and more productive professionals. After all, employee health is just as important, if not more important, than productivity.
Dr. Pervez Grant, Ruby Hall Clinic Chief Cardiologist, Chairman and Managing Director