With cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite, stress has become a silent but serious threat to heart health.

Experts warn chronic stress is not just a mental health issue - it can have profound and lasting effects on the heart.

National data shows almost half of Australians cite financial worries as the biggest factor affecting their wellbeing, while more than a third of workers report feeling burnt out every week.

According to Heart Research Australia, this constant state of pressure is quietly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and sudden cardiac events.

Cardiologist Dr Avedis Ekmejian explains stress can damage the heart in sudden and gradual ways.

Acute stress, such as a major shock or emotional outburst, can trigger heart attacks or stress cardiomyopathy, often referred to as “broken heart syndrome.”

Chronic stress, meanwhile, keeps the body in a heightened state of alert, contributing to high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of coronary disease.

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Miranda Say says prolonged stress also disrupts the brain–heart connection.

“Stress is meant to spike and then return to baseline,” she explains.

“When it never switches off, people experience poor sleep, constant tension, irritability and reduced focus - signs the body isn’t recovering.”

This February, Heart Research Australia’s REDFEB campaign is encouraging Australians to take small, achievable steps to reset their stress levels and support heart health.

The free REDFEB Bingo Challenge focuses on four simple daily “resets”: Meals, Movement, Measurement and Mental attitude - from sharing a healthy meal to spending time outdoors or checking blood pressure.

Kiama Downs resident Michael Williams has become a passionate REDFEB advocate following the loss of his father to a heart attack.

After losing his father to a heart attack, Michael has become a community advocate and fundraiser for REDFEB, raising awareness about heart disease and the importance of prevention and research.

Australians are encouraged to wear red, take part in the REDFEB Bingo Challenge and support vital research by donating at heartresearch.com.au.