Do not get unduly stressed or emotional as it may affect the heart!

An old adage “prevention is better than cure” is the mantra for a new study that says avoid stress and emotions to keep a healthy heart.

Strategies to manage stress in Americans were discussed at the American forum.

According to research 20 percent of Americans are worried that stress will affect their health, yet 36 percent say they deal with stress by eating or drinking alcohol. Although these habits might reduce stress in the short term, they are precursors to an unhealthy lifestyle and risk factors to cardio vascular disease.

In the words of Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., APA executive director for professional practice,” Achieving a healthy lifestyle comes from adopting behaviours over time that help to manage stress in effective ways that don't at the same time take a toll on your physical health and body."

The main points to be kept in mind are :-

* Isolate and detect the causative agent for stress and try to manage it.

A psychologist can help to manage stress to prevent heart disease.

* consult a doctor.

* Give space and time to yourself. Do not overhaul yourself at once keep a slow yet steady pace.

* Pangs of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in ordinary or pleasurable activities, reduced energy, and eating and sleep disorders should be tackled and taken seriously.

* Talk to friends, relatives and loved ones. Discuss problems with them and relax.

Thus a corrective lifestyle along with attitudinal changes certaibly helps to let the heart stay healthy.