Medbound Times had an informative conversation with Dr. Aqeel Asgharr regarding recent heart attack incidents and stress response of the body.
Dr. Aqeel Asgharr is a Consultant Cardiologist at Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. He provided us with valuable insights regarding heart health,metabolic changes, and the role of cortisol in connection with heart attacks.
The adrenal glands release the hormone cortisol in reaction to stress. It is essential for controlling several bodily processes, such as immune response, blood pressure, and metabolism. Although, cortisol is necessary for regular biological processes, prolonged and high cortisol levels can harm cardiovascular health and raise the risk of heart attacks.
Here's how cortisol is connected to heart attacks:
Blood Pressure: Cortisol can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and promoting the release of other hormones that raise blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure puts strain on the arteries and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks.
Inflammation: Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate the body's immune response. However, chronic stress and prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to an imbalance in the immune system, resulting in increased inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for heart attacks.
Blood Sugar Levels: Cortisol can increase blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver and reducing the uptake of glucose by cells. Prolonged elevation of blood sugar levels due to chronic stress or conditions like diabetes can contribute to the development of diabetes and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and heart attacks.
4. Blood Clotting: Cortisol influences blood clotting by regulating the production and activity of clotting factors. In times of stress, cortisol increases the production of clotting factors, making the blood more susceptible to clot formation. Excessive clotting can lead to the formation of blood clots that block coronary arteries, resulting in a heart attack.
5. Metabolic Effects: Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol due to chronic stress can disrupt normal metabolic processes. It can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area, and contribute to the development of obesity. Obesity is associated with various cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, all of which increase the likelihood of heart attacks.
It's crucial to remember that while cortisol can increase the risk of heart attacks, it just makes up a small part of the intricate picture of cardiovascular health. The interplay of various elements, including a person's lifestyle, genetics, and other hormone abnormalities, determines their total risk. Managing stress, establishing a healthy lifestyle, and consulting a doctor for cortisol-related problems can all help lower the risk of heart attacks.
