Decoding the connection between stress and heart health Did you know that everyday stress can also lead to plaque deposits in one's arteries? A few strategies will allow you to stay stress-free and keep your heart in good shape. Stress can make you feel anxious; there is rapid breathing and your heart races. You may also feel that you are on the verge of getting a heart attack, right? Well, stress not only takes a toll on your mental well-being but your heart health too. Stress is a part and parcel of life. You may be stressed owing to personal or professional reasons. The hormone cortisol tends to get released when one is stressed. Hence, stress, in the long run, can raise your cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. It is no brainer that these factors can put you at risk of heart disease. Try to de-stress and stay hearty.