Mental health can affect the entire body, so cardiologists see the toll stress can take on a person’s heart.

Mental stress is an emerging risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke, independent of problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, studies have found.

Stress can happen in the moment due to anger or fear, or become a chronic long-term issue triggered by a demanding job, financial woes or depression.

So it’s important to find ways to reset whenever you can, doctors say. If you need the daily reminder to take a moment to pause, try a 31-day meditation challenge in the Start TODAY app to get a guided routine sent right to your phone.

Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Destress With 10 Minutes of Quiet Time for Yourself

If you’re busy rushing around, get to your

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