Not every kind of stress is bad for your heart, according to Dr Jeremy London, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. While chronic mental and emotional stress can harm the cardiovascular system, controlled or “good” stress can actually strengthen it and make the heart more resilient to life’s challenges.
Dr London explained in a recent social media post that chronic stress caused by continuous emotional strain triggers the body’s fight-or-flight mode, leading to an increase in adrenaline and cortisol levels. This constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system can elevate blood pressure, cause artery stiffness, raise inflammation, and increase the risk of heart disease, arrhythmia, or heart attack — even in individuals without typical risk factors.
However, not all stress is harmful. The heart specialist highlighted that stress which is voluntarily undertaken, such as during physical exercise, can have protective effects. Activities like running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking put the cardiovascular system under a healthy form of controlled stress. In response, the heart becomes stronger, blood vessels become more flexible, and the body achieves better recovery and balance.
Dr London described aerobic exercise as “the perfect example of good stress,” noting that it enhances heart rate variability and boosts the body’s ability to handle emotional or mental pressure. This adaptive stress, he explained, helps the heart recover faster and reduces inflammation over time.
The key takeaway, according to Dr London, is that managing stress wisely and incorporating physical activity into daily life can strengthen heart function and build resilience. He encourages individuals to engage in regular exercise to help their hearts adapt positively to everyday challenges.
