Stress a silent killer, say doctors | Bhubaneswar News

BHUBANESWAR: Stress, whose impact cannot be clinically measured, is a common yet underestimated risk factor in incidences of heart attacks, especially among the 30-40 age group, warned cardiologists.
Doctors said stress affects blood pressure, the heart’s muscle contraction and heart rate without giving any indication to the patient.
Doctors said around 40% heart attacks in the 30-40 age group in the state are stress-induced, the other reasons being unhealthy eating habits, blood pressure and chronic disease.
Among people above 60, heart disease is rarely due to with stress. Hardly in 10% cases among elderly stress is the only factor causing cardiovascular disease, said senior cardiologists in the city.
“We are seeing that many in their 40s are having stress-triggered heart attacks. We trace it to stress after ruling out other reasons through tests. If tests confirm that the patient had no chronic disease or underlying complications, it is safe to blame stress as the primary factor,” said Dr Manoj Gupta, senior cardiologist.
People with healthy cholesterol levels can have heart problems due to stress. “A small heart plaque triggered by stress can burst in the vessel causing blockage. People should take breaks in life because excessive physical or mental work can be harmful in the long run,” said Dr Nayan Kumar Patel, assistant professor of cardiology, Vimsar.
While family members can recognise stress levels of a person and help bring it down, doctors advised medical intervention for early signs of heart-related issues.
“People should try to reduce stress with exercise and yoga. Those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of heart disease should be careful. They should go for regular checkup,” said Dr Satyanarayan Routray, head of cardiology department, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.