Toxic love could kill you - Experts say stressful relationships may harm your heart

Toxic relationships, stress, and unhealthy workplaces are quietly fuelling a wave of heart disease that Jamaicans cannot afford to ignore.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch of Heart Month at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel yesterday, Dr Michael Abrahams said identifying and tackling sources of stress is critical for survival.

"Sometimes the stressor could be your man... If a relationship is stressing you out, and you can leave, try to leave," he said.

"And if you are in a stressful job and you have the opportunity to be employed elsewhere, leave."

His warning struck at the heart of daily life. Most people spend the majority of their waking hours at home or at work.

"So if you are in a toxic relationship at home or a toxic workplace, you're heading towards a heart attack or serious illness. When you remain in these situations for a long time, the risk becomes significant," he warned.

Abrahams emphasised that the hidden toll of stress is often underestimated. Mood, attitude, and emotional well-being directly influence cardiac health, and unchecked anger or persistent negativity can dramatically raise the risk of heart attacks.

"Research shows that after an intense episode of anger or a heated argument, the risk of having a heart attack in the subsequent two hours increases by eight to nine folds," he said. "High levels of pessimism, having a pessimistic attitude also increase the risk of having a heart attack."

Practical steps, he said, can make a lifesaving difference. These include laughter, music, hobbies, gratitude journals--even owning a pet. Social media, however, is a hidden danger.

"Social media can literally make you sick, and it's important to limit your exposure," Abrahams warned.

"Research shows that excessive scrolling and spending too much time on social media can increase cardiovascular risk. The content can be stressful, and most times you are sedentary while scrolling," the doctor said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton underscored the gravity of the situation. He noted that data from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey revealed that approximately 12,000 Jamaicans - 8,000 men and 4,000 women - have experienced a heart attack.

The health minister said that lifestyle remains the biggest factor affecting cardiovascular health.

"The time has come for us as a country, especially those who offer us choices within our environment, to offer better choices. I am talking about the food industry," he said.