February is American Heart Month, and it serves as a reminder that heart health isn’t just about what you eat or how often you exercise – it’s also about how you handle stress. While stress is a normal part of daily life, chronic stress that goes untreated can quietly take a toll on your heart over time. Understanding the connection is the first step toward protecting both your emotional well-being and your cardiovascular health.

Stress can affect the choices we make without us even noticing. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easier to skip workouts, grab convenient but less nutritious foods, sleep less than normal and spend more time on the couch and less time moving, and outside. These small habits can gradually increase heart disease risk. That’s why managing stress is not just about your mental health, it’s a core part of heart health too.

The goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely – that isn’t realistic. Instead, focus on helping your body recover and building habits that lower its impact.

1. Move Your Body Regularly – physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and boosts mood. Even short walks, stretching or dancing around the kitchen can make a difference.
2. Take Sleep Seriously – Sleep is when your body resets and it’s so important for your overall health. Aim for a consistent bedtime and create a wind-down routine that helps your body relax.
3. Practice Calming Techniques – Simple strategies like deep breathing, stepping outside for fresh air or short, quiet moments are great to have in your back pocket for the times you need them.

PENN HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER

 East Pavilion, 3400 Civic Center Blvd 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 
Website

Penn Heart and Vascular Center has services and specialties in 23 different areas, including cardiac arrhythmia care, cardiac surgery, cardio-oncology, stroke care, heart transplants, vascular medicine, women’s cardiovascular health and so much more.

JEFFERSON HEALTH CARDIOLOGY

1101 Chestnut St Floor 17, Philadelphia, PA
Website

Jefferson Health provides world-class care close to home with convenient locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area. Between their nationally recognized clinical specialties and multidisciplinary teams, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the expert care you need.