To provide valuable insights, we spoke with Zaheer Hammersley, Executive Wellness Manager at Life Health Solutions, who shared his expertise on how chronic stress impacts cardiovascular health. Zaheer sheds light on the physiological effects of stress and offers practical advice for employers looking to implement effective stress-reduction programmes in their organisations.
What are the primary physiological effects of stress on cardiovascular health?
Prolonged or unmanaged chronic stress has been acknowledged as a contributing risk factor for the development of hypertension, vascular disease, and coronary arterial disease.
In addition to heart-related complications, prolonged stress also impacts the metabolic system, increasing the risk of diabetes. It can also disrupt reproductive cycles and weaken the immune response. As such, identifying and treating chronic stress is vital for managing overall health risks.
How does chronic stress contribute to the development of heart-related conditions?
Although no definitive research has shown that chronic stress alone can cause heart disease, it can contribute to elevating the risks in individuals with a predisposition to cardiovascular conditions.
Chronic stress can cause disruptions to heart function in four key areas, namely:
What signs and symptoms should employees and employers look for to identify stress-related heart-health issues?
To effectively identify stress-related heart-health issues, both employees and employers should be aware of various signs and symptoms associated with stress. It’s important to understand the difference between acute and chronic stress as they have different implications for health.
Acute stress is typically a short-lived experience and can occur because of a specific event/s, for example, tight deadlines, large work volumes, or an unexpected personal development. These events cause the body to experience a stress response, which is its way of preparing it for something out of the norm (i.e. a risk to your standard state).
In acute stress situations, a person may experience symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and rapid, shallow breathing. These symptoms can be intense and may mimic those of a heart attack. While it’s important to take all such situations seriously, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional, as these symptoms often subside quickly and the person typically returns to a normal state.
Chronic stress, however, would be where a person is experiencing increased blood pressure, and an irregular heart rate and rhythm over a longer period of time. This prolonged state of abnormality can lead to an increased risk of developing serious illnesses. It is always advisable to seek medical guidance as a healthcare professional can determine if there is an underlying risk and what support or interventions are necessary.
What types of stress-reduction programmes have been shown to support employee well-being?
The working world has evolved considerably over the past decade, with more businesses embracing concepts to create a more holistic approach to employee well-being. Some of the ways that organisations have tried to combat stress in the workplace outside of the inclusion of a traditional Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) are the additions of elements such as:
A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress found that
25 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years to a person’s life. Researchers also found that moderate exercise could halve the risk of dying from a heart attack for someone in their fifties or sixties.
One of the most effective strategies employers can use to reduce health risks for employees is to create opportunities and mechanisms for exercise. This approach is even more effective when these initiatives are inclusive, in other words, they involve the employee’s immediate family as well. Examples include basic desk workouts, walking clubs, fun days, and online fitness classes.
How can employers create a work environment that minimises stress and promotes cardiovascular health?
By incorporating these aspects into the workplace culture, employers can foster a healthier environment that ultimately leads to higher employee output and reduced health risks.
For more information or support related to the physical health of employees, let us help you. Email hello@lifehealthcare.co.za, call (+27) 86 123 4123 to speak to one of our business development managers, or visit our website. Life Healthcare has 13 dedicated cardiac units across the country, offering a breadth of specialities and world-class care for the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system. For additional support, find out more about the cardiac services available at Life Health Solutions.
