The Emotional Heart

How Chronic Stress Affects Women's Cardiovascular Health.

- Dr. Sarita Rao

The intricate link between chronic stress and cardiovascular health is gaining recognition, especially in the context of women. Unlike acute stress, which is a short-term physiological response, chronic stress—arising from caregiving, financial strain, workplace imbalance, or emotional suppression—can silently and persistently wear down the body. For women, who often juggle multiple social roles, the impact is particularly severe on heart health.

Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health led a global meta-analysis showing chronic stress doubles the risk of coronary artery disease in women through inflammation and cortisol-related vascular damage.