Can stress cause a heart attack? Here's what you need to know
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
It turns out that stress can affect heart health in some pretty serious ways. Explore the symptoms of "broken heart syndrome" and get 5 tips to manage stress.
We often think of stress as just a mental thing. After all, it’s easy to spiral about a difficult work environment, worry about our children, and feel overwhelmed by all those endless to-do lists. But the truth is, it isn’t all in our heads: Stress causes real, physical changes in your body too.
Everyone gets stressed out sometimes, and in small doses, it can actually be helpful. It pushes us to meet tough deadlines, react quickly in emergency situations, and stay motivated when we want to quit. But when stress lasts for too long, it can start to affect your physical health — especially your heart.
In fact, during moments of intense emotional or physical stress, you might experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness — classic symptoms of a heart attack. However, it’s more likely that you’re actually experiencing a condition called broken heart syndrome. This can be frightening, but broken heart syndrome is usually temporary, and with the right care, you’re likely to feel like yourself again in no time.
How does stress affect heart health?
When you’re stressed, your brain tells your adrenal glands to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause your heart to beat faster, your blood vessels to narrow, and your breathing to quicken. In the short term, this stress can be good because it temporarily gives you an energy boost so you feel alert and ready to tackle stressful situations like giving a presentation at work.
But when stress doesn’t subside, your heart doesn’t get a break and your body remains in a heightened state for too long. This chronic stress can lead to some serious effects like:
High blood pressure: When your blood vessels stay narrowed, your heart has to pump harder. This can lead to long-term high blood pressure (hypertension), which can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Inflammation: Stress triggers inflammation, which can seriously damage the lining of your arteries. This can cause plaque to build up and increase your chances of heart disease.
Irregular heartbeats: Adrenaline surges from being stressed can sometimes cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). This can make your heart feel like it’s racing or skipping beats.
What is broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a serious medical condition that occurs when sudden or intense stress causes part of your heart to weaken temporarily.
When you experience extreme stress, your body floods with stress hormones, which can affect how your heart pumps blood. In broken heart syndrome, the left ventricle—the heart’s main pumping chamber—changes shape and doesn’t squeeze as effectively as usual. This can cause chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
However, they’re very different. With a heart attack, your arteries are usually clogged by plaque, which cuts off blood flow to part of your heart. In broken heart syndrome, your arteries remain open, but the heart muscle temporarily struggles to pump properly.
What causes broken heart syndrome?
And as you might expect from its name, emotional and physical stress are usually the biggest triggers for broken heart syndrome. Here are some of the common causes:
Grief: Losing a loved one, or a relationship breakup can trigger you to have symptoms.
Sudden shock: Surprises, both good and bad, can bring it on.
Intense fear: Accidents, natural disasters, or medical diagnoses may cause it.
Physical stress: Surgery, severe pain, or major illnesses can also be potential triggers.
Positive stressors: In rare cases, even happy events—like winning the lottery—can cause you to experience broken heart syndrome.
Who is at risk for broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome can affect anyone, but there are certain groups that are at greater risk.
If you’re a woman—especially postmenopausal woman—hormonal changes may play a role in your heart’s response to stress. Also people with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can be more at risk due to their potential increased sensitivity to stress. And major life changes, trauma, and long-term stress can also make you more susceptible to broken heart syndrome.
If you suspect you have broken heart syndrome, take it seriously. In rare cases it can lead to complications like heart failure.
5 symptoms of broken heart syndrome
If you’re wondering if maybe you’ve experienced broken heart syndrome before or you’re worried you could in the near future, here are five common symptoms to keep an eye out for:
Chest pain: Experiencing tightness, pressure, or a squeezing sensation in your chest
Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, even if you haven’t been physically active recently
Dizziness or fainting: Becoming lightheaded or fainting
Irregular heartbeat: Feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats
Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat without warning
When to seek medical attention
Typically symptoms of broken heart syndrome can come on suddenly, and oftentimes it happens right after an emotional or physically stressful event.
If you start to feel chest pain or shortness of breath, call emergency services right away. Medical professionals can run tests to figure out if you’re having a heart attack or experiencing broken heart syndrome. And even if your tests show no blocked arteries, your heart still does needs care. Broken heart syndrome can sometimes lead to serious complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock.
How long does recovery take?
Most people recover fully from broken heart syndrome within a few weeks, and the heart usually returns to normal without lasting damage. To help with healing, your doctor may recommend medications like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and anti-anxiety medications.
If you experienced broken heart syndrome and now you’re feeling anxious about your heart health, talk to a doctor, therapist, or loved one. They can help ease your worries and remind you that you’re not alone.
How to naturally manage stress: 5 tips for a healthier heart
Once you’ve experienced broken heart syndrome, you’re at increased risk for it to happen again. This makes it especially important for you to manage your stress.
Here are five small, simple measures you can take to feel better and support your heart health.
1. Move your body
Exercise promotes the release of chemicals that help boost your mood and reduce pain, and also helps to lower your stress hormone levels, improve circulation, and strengthen your heart. The best part is, just 30 minutes of moderate activity a few times a week can make a difference.
To help stay consistent, choose activities that you enjoy. (And if yoga’s your thing, here are five simple and stress relieving poses you can try.)
2. Practice deep breathing or meditation
When you’re stressed, your breathing often becomes shallow, which can make you feel even more anxious. Try deep breathing exercises or meditation to calm down. These practices can help calm your nervous system and lower your heart rate by telling your body that it’s okay to relax.
Try to inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale gently through your mouth for six seconds, and then repeat this for five to ten minutes. Here are 10 more types of breathing exercises you can explore.
💙 To calm down fast, try this SOS Breath Work meditation with Chibs Okereke.
3. Connect with others
Spending time with friends, family, or even pets can reduce stress and feelings of overwhelm.
If you’re looking for more connections, consider calling a loved one for a chat on a slow weeknight or joining a recreational sports league that interests you, like kickball. You could also volunteer for a cause you care about.
4. Get enough sleep
When you’re tired, your body produces more stress hormones, which can raise your blood pressure and increase the strain on your heart. Sleep is a great way to improve your energy levels — and your health. Most adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
To maximize the benefits, stick to a regular bedtime, avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and create a relaxing bedtime routine that can help you get a more restorative night's sleep.
5. Make time for hobbies and relaxation
Doing things you like is a simple and powerful way to manage stress. It gives your mind a break and also can help you unwind.
Aim to carve out at least 30 minutes a few times a week for activities that make you happy. And if relaxing and taking time for yourself doesn’t come naturally to you, here are 12 relaxation ideas you can try out.
💙 Learn why hobbies are so important and the huge impact they can have on our lives in The Power of Hobbies session.
Heart attack stress FAQs
How does chronic stress contribute to high blood pressure?
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. If your body stays in this heightened state over time, the constant pressure on your blood vessels can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure).
This is a problem because high blood pressure can eventually lead to problems like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. It also can increase the risk of damage to your arteries, making them stiffer and more prone to plaque buildup.
What are the long-term effects of broken heart syndrome?
For most people, broken heart syndrome is temporary, and your heart can make a full recovery within a few weeks. But in some cases, it can recur or have lasting effects — especially if the condition is severe or goes untreated. These may include:
Heart failure: Your heart starts struggling to pump blood as efficiently as it should.
Arrhythmias: You experience irregular heartbeats that lead to dizziness or fainting.
Cardiogenic shock: This is a serious condition where your heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood and meet your body’s needs.
Left ventricular thrombosis: In rare cases, your blood could clot in your left ventricle because of an impaired heart function. These clots could then dislodge and cause you to have a stroke.
If you’ve experienced broken heart syndrome, set up regular check-ups with your doctor so they can help you prevent future episodes.
Can stress management prevent heart disease?
Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and high blood pressure, and it can also cause you to develop unhealthy coping habits like overeating, smoking, and not working out. All of these factors can increase your risk of heart disease.
However, practicing stress management techniques like exercising, meditation, and spending time with your friends is a good antidote. Getting plenty of sleep every night and taking mini breaks during the day can also help your heart.
Are certain people more likely to have stress-induced heart problems?
Certain groups of people are at more risk for heart problems brought on by stress:
Women: Females are more likely to experience broken heart syndrome because hormonal changes may make their hearts more sensitive to stress — and this goes especially for postmenopausal women.
People with anxiety or depression: Anyone who experiences a mental health condition like this can also be more vulnerable to stress-induced heart problems.
Those who’ve experienced significant life stress: Going through a major life event, like the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or financial troubles, can also bring a higher risk of stress-related heart issues.
How quickly can meditation impact stress levels?
Studies show that practicing meditation for as little as 10–20 minutes a day can actually make a big difference in how your body handles stress.
If you meditate for even just five minutes, you can calm your nervous system and lower your stress hormones. And over time, regular meditation can lead to more noticeable benefits, like lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and better emotional regulation.
To help you stick with a meditation practice, start small. Sit quietly for one minute to focus on your breathing, then gently bring your attention back if your mind wanders. And if you can’t focus, that’s fine. That’s just where you’re at today. Try not to judge yourself and try again tomorrow. It’s all a process.
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