By Heather Topham Wood

In order to avoid heart disease, a person must carefully monitor the amount of stress he/she puts on the body. Heart stress can occur from both physical and psychological conditions. If you expose your heart to multiple stressors, you increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Although physical conditions can cause heart stress, psychological issues can be a factor as well. Anxiety and other stress disorders can put a person at risk for heart disease. Major life changes can cause stress as well, which can affect the heart.

The way that you handle emotional stress also has an effect on your risk for heart disease. When emotionally stressed, a person is more likely to be inclined to practice poor lifestyle choices, such as drinking, smoking and overeating.