Is there a connection between stress and cholesterol? (Stress and Cholesterol)

Office work, household problems, financial problems… With a thousand things like this, do you also feel a lot of pressure, that is, stress? Actually, it is normal for all of us to feel this kind of mental stress at some point in our lives. However, did you know that if this situation continues, that is, if you are constantly stressed, it can negatively affect your cholesterol levels and heart health? Yes, it is true. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.

How does stress affect our heart?

Imagine that you have to face some challenge. At that time, your body naturally prepares for it. At this time, two hormones called adrenaline and cortisol are released inside the body. These hormones make your heart beat faster, sharpen your brain, and prepare you to face the challenge. Sometimes a little stress is good, because it gives us the motivation to overcome challenges.

But the problem is when this happens continuously and over a long period of time. We call this chronic stress . Then those hormones, especially the hormone cortisol, remain at high levels in the body. This puts dangerous strain on your heart and other parts of your body.

This is how it happens. We have LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol in our blood. We call this “bad” cholesterol . Due to prolonged stress, this LDL cholesterol level increases. This increased LDL cholesterol gradually starts to deposit in the walls of our blood vessels . Just like dirt and rust accumulate inside a water pipe. Over time, these blood vessels become blocked and stiff,It prevents heart disease .

Also, stress causes inflammation in the body, which can lower HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. HDL is the “good” cholesterol . Their job is to remove bad LDL cholesterol from the blood vessels and clean it. So when good cholesterol is low, bad cholesterol is allowed to clog the blood vessels as it should. Got it?

What are healthy cholesterol levels?

The following table shows what cholesterol levels should be for a healthy adult. However, keep in mind that these values ​​may vary if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions. So it's best to talk to your doctor about your specific goals.

How stress causes bad habits

There is another side to the relationship between stress and cholesterol. That is how we deal with stress. What do most of us do when we feel anxious or stressed?

• Bad eating habits: Eating a lot of greasy, sweet food from the store to relieve stress.
• Not exercising: Sitting in front of the TV or in bed, feeling like doing nothing.
• Smoking and alcohol: Some people smoke and drink alcohol to cope with their sadness.

All of these bad habits directly lead to high cholesterol levels. So resorting to these habits due to stress will only make the problem worse.

A study conducted on university students has found that during times of high stress, such as exam time, even in young, healthy individuals, cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, increase. This may be a common condition for children taking the A/L exams in our country.

A few tips to control stress

Trying to escape stress by eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol may only provide temporary relief, but it can cause serious harm in the long run.

The best thing to do is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can help you manage stress and lower your cholesterol levels. Here are some things you can do to help:

• Talk to friends: Talk to friends, family, or someone at work who brings you joy. Meet up for tea, or at least make a phone call.
• Do some social service: Do something that helps others. It will make you feel incredibly happy and relaxed.
• Write down your feelings and questions: Writing down your feelings and questions in a diary or book can be a great way to release stress rather than keeping it bottled up inside.
• Listen to music: When you're feeling down, listen to a calming song. When you're feeling happy, listen to a faster, more upbeat song.
• Exercise regularly:When you exercise, your body releases natural chemicals called endorphins . These are natural painkillers and stress relievers. Even just walking for 30 minutes every day can help.
• Practice calming practices: Engage in methods that calm both mind and body, such as meditation and yoga .

Is this something more serious than stress?

Sometimes the pressure you feel can be more serious than just normal stress. For example, a condition called anxiety disorder . Unlike normal stress, anxiety is a constant, uncontrollable feeling of fear or worry.

If you have the following symptoms, it may be more than just normal stress.

• If you feel like you can't control the pressure or distressing emotions you're feeling.
• If this stress is interfering with your marriage, work, or daily activities .
• If you are feeling depressed , or have turned to alcohol or drugs to relieve stress.
• If you have thoughts of ending your life .

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