We all know that life can be stressful, although did you know that chronic stress can have a profound effect on our heart health, especially for women? In fact, research shows that women experience heart disease differently than men, and stress can amplify these risks.
As we move further into 2025, it’s important to understand how stress impacts our cardiovascular health and what we can do about it. In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 stressors affecting women’s heart health, backed by insights from top health experts like Dr. Samantha Brody, Dr. Julie Greenberg, Dr. Mark Hyman 1, and the Women’s Heart Health Blog.
We’ll also incorporate some practical tips on how to reduce these stressors and protect your heart. Plus, we’ll use some of the most searched terms related to heart health and stress reduction to ensure you’re getting the best information available.
So, let’s dive into the key stressors that are impacting women’s heart health in 2025.
1. Chronic emotional stress and work-life balance
If you’re a woman juggling a career, family, personal life, and everything in between, you’re not alone. Many women today find themselves constantly balancing multiple roles, which can lead to significant emotional stress. According to Dr. Samantha Brody, a licensed naturopathic doctor and stress management expert, emotional stress is one of the leading factors that contributes to heart disease in women. Chronic emotional stress, whether from work, family obligations, or other pressures, raises levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline in the body, which can have long-term consequences for heart health. This imbalance can increase our blood pressure, raise our cholesterol levels, and contribute to inflammation — all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
The Women’s Heart Health Blog explains that women often experience stress more intensely than men, and they tend to internalise stress, which can manifest in physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart.
Tips for reducing emotional stress:
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and prioritise your mental health. Whether it’s at work or home, setting limits can help reduce overwhelming emotional stress.
• Practice mindfulness: Dr. Julie Greenberg, a mindfulness and stress reduction expert, emphasises the importance of mindfulness exercises like meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress.
• Delegate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from family members or colleagues. Delegating tasks can free up our time and mental energy.
2. Financial Stress and its heart health impact
It’s no surprise that financial worries are one of the top sources of stress, especially for women. Whether it’s worrying about job security, saving for retirement, managing debt, or dealing with unexpected expenses, financial stress can take a significant toll on your heart.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known functional medicine doctor, often discusses the link between stress and heart disease. He notes that financial stress increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks, particularly in women who are often the primary caretakers for their families.
The Women’s Heart Health Blog points out that financial stress can also cause mental and emotional strain, which, over time, leads to negative impacts on cardiovascular health. It can also disrupt your ability to maintain healthy habits like exercise, diet, and sleep, all of which are essential for heart health.
Tips for reducing financial stress:
• Budgeting: Develop a clear and realistic budget to help you manage your finances better. Knowing exactly where your money is going can reduce anxiety and give you a sense of control.
• Financial counseling: Seek out a financial planner or advisor who can help you navigate your finances and relieve some of the stress that comes with managing money.
• Mindful spending: Cut down on impulsive spending. Mindful spending allows you to focus on what truly matters, reducing unnecessary financial strain.
3. The impact of caregiving stress
Women are often expected to take on caregiving roles, whether for children, elderly parents, or spouses.
Dr. Samantha Brody mentions that caregiving stress is a unique burden for many women, particularly as they age. The constant responsibility of looking after others without taking adequate time for self-care can lead to chronic stress, which, as we know, contributes to heart disease.
Research has shown that caregivers experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. According to Dr. Julie Greenberg, taking on the emotional and physical demands of caregiving without addressing your own needs can trigger inflammation in the body, which is a known contributor to heart disease.
Tips for managing caregiving stress:
• Take breaks: It’s essential to step away from caregiving responsibilities to recharge. Even a few minutes of solitude can make a big difference.
• Support groups: Connect with other caregivers for emotional support. Sharing experiences with others who understand your challenges can alleviate stress.
• Delegate care: If possible, ask other family members or hire professional help to assist with caregiving duties.
4. Relationship stress and its toll on heart health
While relationships can be a source of joy, they can also be a significant stressor, especially if they involve conflict or emotional turmoil. Whether it’s stress related to a romantic partner, family dynamics, or friendships, Dr. Mark Hyman explains that unresolved emotional issues can trigger a constant state of fight-or-flight in the body, leading to elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease.
The Women’s Heart Health Blog highlights that women are more likely than men to experience emotional stress from relationships, which can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression. These emotional responses can increase cortisol levels, which, over time, can damage the cardiovascular system.
Tips for reducing relationship stress:
• Open communication: Healthy communication is key to managing relationship stress. Be open and honest with your partner, family, or friends about your feelings.
• Couples therapy: If you’re in a romantic relationship, couples therapy can help resolve conflicts and improve emotional well-being.
• Practice forgiveness: Holding onto grudges can exacerbate stress. Letting go of past grievances can help reduce tension and protect your heart.
5. Social media stress and the pressure of perfection
In today’s digital age, social media has become a significant source of stress for many women. Constant comparisons to others, the pressure to appear perfect, and the overwhelming influx of information can take a toll on both mental and physical health.
According to Dr. Julie Greenberg, social media-induced stress can increase anxiety levels, which in turn contributes to heart disease. Research shows that excessive use of social media can disrupt sleep patterns, increase feelings of inadequacy, and promote a sedentary lifestyle, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
The Women’s Heart Health Blog warns that these digital stressors are unique to the modern age, and they are impacting more and more women’s health each year.
Tips for reducing social media stress:
• Limit screen time: Set boundaries around how much time you spend on social media. Consider using apps that limit your screen time or set specific times of day to check social media.
• Follow positive accounts: Curate your feed by following accounts that promote positivity, wellness, and mental health.
• Disconnect regularly: Take regular breaks from your devices to unplug and recharge, especially before bed.
Conclusion – protecting your heart in 2025
Stress is an inevitable part of life, although how we manage it can make all the difference when it comes to our heart health.
In 2025, it’s more important than ever for women to recognise the top stressors affecting our cardiovascular health and take proactive steps to reduce their impact.
By addressing emotional stress, financial worries, caregiving responsibilities, relationship tension, and social media-induced pressure, we can improve not only our mental well-being – also our heart health.
As Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Samantha Brody, and Dr. Julie Greenberg suggest, incorporating stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, healthy habits, and setting boundaries can make a world of difference in protecting your heart.
Remember, taking care of your heart starts with managing stress. By understanding the common stressors affecting women’s health and taking steps to address them, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance for a long, healthy life.
See you on this week’s #AlivewithFi =)
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, and Health Brand Ambassador.
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1 Worth a read for more ways to look after our cardiovascular health, from Dr Mark Hyman