Heart Surgeon Explains Why Not All Stress Is Bad for Your Heart

Stress is often seen as an enemy of good health, especially when it comes to the heart. We are constantly told that stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious problems. But according to an experienced heart surgeon, not all stress is bad. In fact, some stress can actually protect the heart and make it stronger.

Dr Jeremy London, a well-known heart surgeon with over 25 years of experience, recently shared an important message about this topic. In a video posted on Instagram on November 12, he explained that while long-term emotional stress can harm the heart, certain types of “good stress” can help the heart stay healthy and strong.

He said, “The right kind of stress — the kind you choose, not the kind that happens to you — can actually protect your heart.”

Dr London described how our bodies respond to stress in different ways. When we face emotional pressure or constant anxiety, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones, when present for long periods, can raise blood pressure, cause inflammation, and increase the risk of heart attacks. This is called chronic stress, and it is harmful to both the heart and the mind.

However, when stress comes from positive challenges — like exercising, learning a new skill, or working towards a goal — it can strengthen the body and improve resilience. This type of stress is called “good stress” or “eustress.”

Dr London explained that good stress helps the heart adapt to change and handle pressure better in the future. For example, physical activities like running, swimming, or lifting weights put temporary stress on the heart and muscles. This makes the heart pump harder, improves blood circulation, and builds endurance. Over time, the heart becomes stronger and more efficient.

The same idea applies to mental or emotional challenges. Taking on a new project, preparing for an exam, or even learning to manage time effectively can all create short-term stress. But once the challenge is over, this type of stress leaves you feeling more confident, capable, and emotionally balanced.

Dr London pointed out that the key difference lies in control. When stress happens suddenly — like losing a job, facing family problems, or going through financial struggles — we don’t have control over it, and it can harm our body. But when we choose the challenge — like setting a fitness goal or practicing public speaking — the stress becomes empowering instead of destructive.

He added that this kind of stress acts like “training” for your heart and mind. It teaches your body how to handle pressure and recover from it, which can be very helpful during difficult times in life.

Doctors and psychologists agree that some level of stress is a natural part of life. What matters is how we manage it. Experts recommend activities like regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and spending time with loved ones to reduce harmful stress. These habits help maintain balance and prevent emotional burnout.

According to studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology, people who experience moderate, controlled stress often have stronger hearts and lower risks of cardiovascular disease compared to those who live sedentary lives with no challenges at all.

Dr London’s message reminds us that avoiding all stress is neither possible nor healthy. Instead, the goal should be to understand the difference between good and bad stress — and to use good stress as a tool for growth.

Chronic stress caused by constant worry, anger, or sadness damages the heart and weakens the immune system. But short bursts of positive stress — such as setting goals, exercising, or learning new things — can protect the heart and improve emotional well-being.

In today’s fast-moving world, managing stress wisely is one of the best ways to keep both the heart and the mind strong. As Dr London says, “Not all stress is bad for you. The right kind can actually protect your heart.”