Workplace stress has become an unavoidable part of everyday life. But when does that daily pressure begin to affect more than just your mood or productivity? According to Dr. Brian Guttormsen, interventional cardiologist at Ascension Medical Group – Oneida Street in Appleton, chronic work-related stress can have very real consequences for heart health, and how we deal with it is more important than ever.
Is there a connection between stress and your heart?
“Can workplace stress cause cardiac consequences? Absolutely,” says Dr. Guttormsen. The physiological changes that occur in the body during times of stress, like hormone surges and increased blood pressure, can have lasting impacts on cardiovascular health. In fact, there’s even a recognized condition known as stress cardiomyopathy, where extreme emotional or physical stress leads to a temporary weakening of the heart.
Who’s most at risk?
When asked if certain demographics are more susceptible to stress-related heart issues, Dr. Guttormsen acknowledges a trend he’s observed. “In my own personal experience, I think women have a bigger challenge. Hormonal changes and the societal expectations placed on women add layers of complexity.” Still, he’s quick to point out that everyone is vulnerable. Age, gender and occupation might influence how stress manifests, but no one is immune.
What are some warning signs of stress-related heart conditions?
Stress doesn’t just live in the mind, it often shows up in the body. According to Dr. Guttormsen, employees should take note of recurring physical symptoms such as fatigue, chest tightness or palpitations. These can mimic signs of heart disease, which understandably causes anxiety. “If those symptoms are happening frequently, then that’s an unhealthy situation, whether it’s at work or at home,” he warns. In such cases, medical evaluation is key; not just to rule out underlying heart conditions, but to reassure individuals that what they’re experiencing may be stress-related and manageable.
What role can employers play in reducing employee stress?
So, what can workplaces do to foster heart health and reduce the stress burden? “It starts with listening,” Dr. Guttormsen emphasizes. “Make sure employees feel heard, and address stressors that are fixable.” He advises that employers should create open channels of communication and take actionable steps when repeat stress patterns are identified, whether through workload adjustments, wellness initiatives or simply showing empathy. Additionally, he says employers should encourage employees to seek medical guidance if they experience stress-related symptoms.
How important is work-life balance and healthy coping?
Dr. Guttormsen points to sleep, exercise and personal time as essential stress buffers for employees. “You’ve got to let your sympathetic nervous system power down,” he explains. “A lot of people deal with stress by smoking or vaping,” he notes. While it’s important to understand why someone turns to those behaviors, he urges patients to work toward healthier alternatives. Light cardiovascular exercise, reading and meditation are all great ways to release stress in a healthy way.
Do workplace wellness programs work?
When asked about the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs, Dr. Guttormsen notes, “I don’t think there’s one program that works for everyone.” Many corporate wellness efforts rely on stress surveys and seminars, but he believes real change comes from meeting people where they are. “Some people just need a 20-minute walk on their lunch break,” he says, “wellness has to be personalized.”
Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions can help support your organization with wellness programs for your team. Ascension’s programs deliver a holistic wellness approach that combines all dimensions of health and well-being that benefits you as the employer AND your employees. Our programs and portal are completely customizable to track your incentives and achieve your goals. It has been proven to boost employee engagement, but it also fosters a healthier workplace culture that will attract and retain talent. Click here for more information.
A human approach to heart health
Ultimately, Dr. Guttormsen views his role as part physician, part listener. He often reassures patients that their symptoms, while uncomfortable, may not signal heart disease- and that knowledge alone can help them feel better. His advice to employees and employers alike? Don’t ignore stress, but don’t fear it either. Recognize it and manage it in healthy ways. Because when it comes to heart health, the workplace isn’t just where the stress starts, it can also be where solutions begin.
Learn about employee wellness programs offered by Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions here; and learn about personalized heart care at Ascension Wisconsin here.