How Much Does Worrying Hurt?

Attitude is everything. Get all worked up about stuff and your ticker pays part of the price.

But cultivate a "this too shall pass" attitude and you may help protect yourself from heart and blood vessel trouble -- maybe even something as serious as a heart attack.

Before and After

Anxiety is so hard on the heart that it also affects a person's prognosis after diagnosis with heart disease. Highly anxious people with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or die compared with their more mellow-minded peers. (Can't settle down your mind at night? Answer these questions to see how prone you are to anxiety.)

Walk Away from the Worry Whammy

But there's good news, too. Anxious people who learn how to mellow out can undo some of that potential damage. Exercises like walking or lifting weights do wonders for an unsettled mind. Here's another great way to keep your worries from taking over.

More On

3 steps to boost your happiness right now

video

3 steps to boost your happiness right now
Happiness has many health benefits. Being happy helps you manage pain and stress, and prevent heart disease and cancer. In this Health Smarts video, R...
A Healthy Way to Handle Everyday Stress

article

A Healthy Way to Handle Everyday Stress
Sweating the small stuff can have a big impact on your health. Find out why -- plus easy ways to calm down.
5 Surprising Ways You Are Stressing Yourself Out

slideshow

5 Surprising Ways You Are Stressing Yourself Out
Stress is a normal part of life—but some is within your control. Find out which habits—an unhealthy diet, skimping on sleep—cause stress overload.
5 tips to help you stay calm during turbulence on an airplane

video

5 tips to help you stay calm during turbulence on an airplane
Do you find yourself clutching the armrest during turbulent flights?
How can drinking tea relieve stress?

video

How can drinking tea relieve stress?
Drinking tea - and the ritual that accompanies it - is a wonderful exercise in meditation and awareness. In this video, meditation specialist Andy Pud...