We live in a society defined by speed, hyperconnectivity, and constant pressure to perform. For many people, the workplace has become a chronic source of stress—with effects that don’t end when they leave the office. What happens at work can profoundly influence heart health.
The link between sustained work-related stress and cardiovascular disease is strongly backed by evidence. Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals exposed to prolonged occupational stress are at higher risk for hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and even heart failure.
One of the most widely used models to explain this phenomenon is the “demand-control” model (Karasek), which describes how jobs with high demands and little decision-making autonomy trigger a chronic physiological response. This response involves sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol and catecholamine levels. The result is vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances that harm the cardiovascular system.
Chronic stress is not just a mental state—it creates real changes in the body. It increases blood pressure and heart rate over time, reduces heart rate variability (a marker of healthy autonomic regulation), and promotes systemic inflammation that contributes to vascular damage. It also encourages harmful behaviors like smoking, physical inactivity, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and poor sleep. Insomnia and sleep disorders are common in these contexts and further heighten cardiovascular risk.
Recent evidence, including the 2025 clinical consensus from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), recognizes psychosocial stress as a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Addressing it should be considered a fundamental part of both preventive and therapeutic cardiology strategies.
At Clínica Samon, we have incorporated specific tools to assess how stress affects our patients’ health. In consultation, we explore not only physical symptoms but also the work environment, mental workload, sleep habits, activity level, and the presence of associated symptoms such as persistent fatigue, anxiety, or difficulty disconnecting.
When a sustained stress pattern is identified, we recommend a full cardiovascular assessment. This may include electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cardiovascular risk scoring (such as SCORE2 or PREVENT), and in certain cases, blood markers of inflammation and metabolism. Assessing autonomic tone and sleep quality can also provide valuable insights in selected cases.
Managing stress goes far beyond simply “learning to relax.” It requires a medical, multidisciplinary approach. At Clínica Samon, our specialized team integrates cardiology with psychiatric and psychological support, including expertise in occupational health and performance.
We propose a tailored plan for each individual, which may include:
– sleep re-education,
– therapeutic physical exercise,
– targeted nutritional interventions,
– psychiatric evaluation when needed, and
– emotional regulation tools such as mindful breathing or mindfulness-based techniques.
This approach not only alleviates symptoms but helps prevent more serious complications. As highlighted by the American Heart Association (AHA) in its 2025 reports on quality of care and prevention, integrating emotional and psychosocial components into cardiovascular health programs improves treatment adherence and reduces future events.
