Stress, if left unmanaged, can lead to many problems, some emotional and some physical. A few of the physical problems include coronary artery disease, chest pains, irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. All those are things we try to avoid and knowing stress can cause or aggravate them is a very scary thought. Stress definitely contributes to heart disease, even though experts aren't exactly sure how this happens.

If you are suffering from stress regularly then you will know we often develop very bad habits when we try to relieve some tension - drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and eating way too much food, and for a select few, drugs. These are all directly very bad for your health and heart and indirectly caused by stress.

You can't compare your experiences with those of others, stress affects people differently and some find it more difficult to cope than others. Your emotional reactions will keep the principles. Keep heart disease at bay by trying to cope with the situation by being as positive as you can, under the circumstances. It may take some time to learn this skill, but it will be worth so much to you once you master it!

The things that we do can actually cause us stress, which then can lead to heart disease. Always aim to eat and drink sensibly. You should never turn to alchohol and drugs to ease your pain and make yourself feel good. Avoid junk food and make yourself a healthy stir fry with fresh vegetables and a piece of fruit for dessert.

Attempt to smoke less and eventually give it up completely, smoking affects your health negatively and will have an effect on your heart. During stressful times, many smokers start smoking one cigarette after the other and, before you know it, you have finished a whole packet! The smoke affects the arteries and the cholesterol plaque in the arteries around the heart - it's been known to be a contributing factor of hardening of the arteries which in turn can cause arrhythmia.

None of the above changes will be a fun experience for people who have had these habits for years, but it will be the greatest gift that you can give yourself. You should always take care of your health!