February is Heart Month | How Mental Health Impacts Your Cardiovascular Health
Why Stress and Mental Health Matter for Your Heart
February marks American Heart Month, a time for the nation to focus on cardiovascular health and prevention. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 1 in every 4 deaths.
While many of us think of exercise and nutrition when it comes to heart health, there’s another critical piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: mental health and stress management. Healthy hearts aren’t just about what we eat or how much we move — they’re also shaped by how we think, feel, and manage the everyday pressures of life.
The Stress–Heart Connection
Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, but when stress becomes chronic, it starts to take a toll on your body — especially your heart.
Persistent stress can drive up blood pressure and increase inflammation in the arteries, both major contributors to heart disease.
Stress can also push people toward unhealthy behaviors — like overeating, smoking, physical inactivity, or poor sleep — which further elevate heart disease risk.
It’s not just about behavior: prolonged stress, anxiety, or depression affects your body physiologically, influencing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels.
Mental Health Is Heart Health
Your mental well-being and your cardiovascular health are deeply intertwined. Feeling overwhelmed or anxious makes it harder to stick to healthy habits like balanced eating, regular activity, and consistent sleep — all of which support heart function.
Moreover, studies show that depression and chronic stress are linked to poorer heart health outcomes, reinforcing the need to care for both mind and body as part of overall wellness.
Simple Ways to Support Your Heart (and Your Mind)
Here are practical, evidence-based strategies that benefit both your cardiovascular and mental health:
Move Your Body - Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week — like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing. Movement not only strengthens your heart but also reduces stress and enhances mood.
Practice Mindfulness & Relaxation - Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can reduce stress hormones and help calm your nervous system. These practices are simple to fit into a daily routine and have been linked with lower blood pressure.
Get Quality Sleep - Good sleep is foundational for both mental clarity and heart health. Most adults benefit from 7–9 hours of sleep a night. Prioritize sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and reducing screen time before bed.
Stay Connected - Strong social support and meaningful relationships can buffer stress, improve mood, and even influence physical health markers like blood pressure.
Enjoy Activities You Love - Whether it’s reading, gardening, cooking, or a hobby that brings you joy, making time for things that relax and fulfill you can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
Small Steps Can Lead to Big Heart Benefits
Heart health isn’t one-size-fits-all, but what’s clear is this: caring for your mental and emotional well-being supports your heart in powerful ways. By managing stress, fostering connection, moving regularly, and prioritizing rest, you’re investing in both a healthier mind and a stronger heart — not just this February, but year-round.
Let this Heart Month be a reminder that heart health is holistic. When we care for our emotional well-being, we give our heart a better chance to thrive.