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7 Stress-Busting Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Stress is necessary to live. It’s our evolutionary fight-or-flight response that increases our chance of survival. But when day-to-day stress becomes excessive or chronic, the risk of severe heart problems multiplies. Read on to find out how you can better manage the stress of living in the modern world!

Can AFib be caused by stress?

If you have AFib, chronic stress can increase the severity of your symptoms by interfering with sleep quality, elevating blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart palpitations, and reducing your motivation to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Find your calm — and achieve your 100 Year Heart — with these stress-busting tips.

Stress-busting tips for a healthy heart

Alternate nostril breathing

Have you ever noticed how your breathing changes when you feel relaxed? You naturally breathe through the nose in a slow, even, gentle fashion. Here’s why. Deep breaths send a message to your brain, telling it to calm down and relax. In response, your brain sends the same message back to your body. Stress, on the other hand, causes you to breathe faster. This increases heart rate and raises blood pressure.

Alternate nostril breathing is based on an ancient yogic technique called pranayama. It helps calm the body through distraction and a sense of control. Research from IJoy-International Journal of Yoga suggests that pranayama breathing techniques have the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease and stress— improving long-term health outcomes.

Alternate-nostril breathing technique:

  1. Sit quietly
  2. Lift your right hand up to your nose.
  3. Bend your forefinger and middle finger down, out of the way.
  4. Place your thumb on your right nostril.
  5. Inhale slowly through your left nostril and hold.
  6. Release your right nostril and put your ring finger on the left nostril.
  7. Exhale through your right nostril completely. Inhale through the right nostril and hold.
  8. Release your left nostril and put your thumb on your right nostril.
  9. Exhale through your left nostril completely. Inhale through the left nostril and hold.
  10. Repeat the full process about three times.

Deep breathing is one of the best ways to balance and control the fight-or-flight response felt during stress. And the best thing about deep breathing — you can practice it anywhere and anytime you feel stressed.

Meditate when walking

It seems that meditating while walking has an even bigger stress-busting impact than walking alone, according to a 16-week, 135-person study from North Dakota University. The volunteers were divided into five groups. Some groups meditated while they walked; other groups did not meditate.

Those who meditated simply counted “one, two, one, two” as they walked. The meditation made them focus on their steps instead of thinking about other issues. Regardless of how fast they walked, the groups who meditated experienced a more significant reduction of stress and better mood than those who didn’t meditate.

Play your favorite music

A study published in the European Heart Journal looked at music and cardiovascular health. This study and other research prove that listening to certain types of music can evoke emotions and mood, changing heart activity, blood pressure, and breathing. 

Music can alter brain chemistry in a way that may help improve cardiovascular health. In fact, according to Brian Harris, certified neurologic music therapist for Harvard Health, no other stimulus on earth affects the brain as much as music does.

More research conducted by trained music therapists suggests that listening to music may reduce stress in patients with coronary heart disease, primarily those who have experienced a myocardial infarction. It seems that the anxiety-reducing effects of music are best when people choose their favorite tunes. Though their finds may be somewhat biased, the music therapists also found that listening to music positively affects blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sleep quality in those with coronary heart disease.

Take a nap

Napping can help reset your emotions. Taking a short 20-minute nap can reduce cortisol levels — helping reduce stress. But what’s even more interesting, napping has positive effects on heart health.  

A study appearing in the journal Heart followed almost 3,500 people with no history of cardiovascular disease for five or more years. Data revealed that those who napped one to two times a week had a 48 percent less chance of experiencing heart problems than those who didn’t nap at all. 

Move your body

When it comes to stress and heart health, exercise is a must. Getting active, whether going for a walk, hitting the gym, or playing tennis, releases endorphins — the mood-boosting chemicals. According to John Hopkins, exercising helps you de-stress and protects against heart disease by:

  • Improving the muscles’ ability to take oxygen from the blood, lowering the strain on the heart to pump more blood to the muscles
  • Reducing stress hormones that place an extra burden on the heart
  • Acting as a beta-blocker to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure
  • Increasing HDL and helping control triglycerides

Research from the American Heart Association also shows that heart attack patients who exercised regularly reduced premature death by 20 to 25 percent. 

The bottom line: physical activity helps lower stress levels and improves your quality of life, both physically and mentally.

Do yoga

One study found that AFib patients who participated in daily yoga had fewer atrial fibrillation symptoms. In addition, they also reported a steadier resting heart rate and blood pressure levels. Another study reported that yoga participants experienced a significant reduction in AFib episodes, decreased anxiety, and improved blood pressure levels. 

Unplug from the world

Stress can undoubtedly follow you everywhere, particularly through that smartphone that is always within reach. A study from the Journal of Business & Economic Research suggests that FOMO (fear of missing out) influences decision making and behavior and causes irritability, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy or shame.

Stop your FOMO. Take a 15-minute break each day from emails, texts, news stories, social media, and phone calls — simply escape from the world.

Next steps

The effects of stress build up over time. Long-term stress can cause serious health problems for your heart or make existing problems worse. Get a handle on your stress now — before stress gets a hold of your heart. If you want more information on AFib, consider enrolling in our 8-week Ultimate AFib Recovery Course.

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

In order to live well, one must eat well.

Get the Natural Heart Doctor approved Diet and discover how to eat for your 100 Year Heart.

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Discover how we can help you achieve your 100 Year Heart.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.