This Valentine’s Day, many people focus on expressing love and appreciation for those around them. But as you reach for heart‑shaped chocolates and Valentine’s cards, it’s also a good time to reflect on something just as important – your heart health.

Sierra Ard, a nurse practitioner at Tidelands Health Cardiology locations in Andrews and Hemingway, says emotional stress can have a powerful, and sometimes surprising, impact on heart health.

“If you’re under a high volume of stress, over a period of time, your body will start to tell you,” Ard says.

Those signals may include new or worsening fatigue, shortness of breath or a noticeable change in a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.

For some people, especially those who have experienced divorce, the death of a loved one or another traumatic event, extreme emotional stress can even lead to broken heart syndrome.

This stress‑related heart response can cause a temporary decline in heart function. While the condition is often reversible, she says lingering symptoms can be confusing and concerning.

“Stress can briefly interrupt the way the heart pumps,” Ard says. “People may feel chest pain, fatigue or even think they’re having a heart attack. The rest of the heart continues to work normally, and with treatment and time, it usually resolves, but some symptoms can linger.”

That’s why Ard encourages patients, especially those navigating major life stressors, to prioritize these heart‑healthy habits, even when life feels overwhelming:

One of the most important steps is to get moving. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure and helps regulate stress hormones.

“Even gentle activity like walking, stretching or light strength training can make a difference,” Ard says. “Exercise helps regulate stress and improves overall energy levels.”

A balanced, heart‑healthy diet supports blood vessels and cholesterol levels throughout the body. Ard encourages patients to focus on small, sustainable changes.

“Simple adjustments like eating more fruits and vegetables, choosing lean proteins and limiting high‑salt or highly processed foods can support heart health over time,” Ard says.

When someone is under stress, the body releases cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. This triggers a myriad of physical and hormonal changes, including the body’s “fight or flight” response. When connecting with a loved one, your body releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps cool down the cortisol.

“Talking to someone can make a big difference,” Ard says. “Mental health support is part of heart health.”

Strong social connections help lower stress levels and make healthy habits easier to maintain.

“People who have supportive relationships often feel more motivated to take care of themselves,” Ard says. “They exercise together, eat better together and encourage each other. That support naturally lowers stress and can lead to lower blood pressure.”

Ard encourages those going through a difficult season to extend the same care and compassion to themselves that they so often give to others.

“Taking care of yourself is the best way to love yourself,” she says. “Listening to your body and asking for help when something doesn’t feel right are some of the most important things you can do.”