Cardiologist Mario Boskis on Managing Emotions in Adults: 'Everything That Starts in the Mind Goes Down to the Body'

Cardiologist Mario Boskis has issued a stark warning about the pervasive effects of chronic stress on physical health, emphasizing that mental strain has direct and significant consequences for the body. "Everything that starts in the mind goes down to the body," Boskis stated, explaining how emotional processes manifest physically, particularly when sustained over time. He likened chronic stress to a boxer delivering repeated blows, eventually overwhelming the body's resilience.

Boskis highlighted that stress has evolved from being solely a psychological issue to a primary cardiovascular risk factor. Recent studies, he noted, indicate that chronic stress can nearly double the likelihood of suffering a heart attack. The cardiologist pointed out that symptoms can appear even in young individuals and include palpitations, sleep disturbances, persistent headaches, and changes in daily routines. He also cautioned that self-perception of stress can be difficult, often being identified sooner by family members or doctors.

He further elaborated on the biological mechanisms involved, explaining that while acute stress triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare the body for immediate threats, chronic stress leads to the sustained release of cortisol. This prolonged exposure has detrimental effects, including elevated blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, weight gain, and damage to blood vessels. "It attacks the endothelium, the inner lining of the arteries, causes inflammation, and can lead to blockages," Boskis explained.

Addressing the prevalence of stress, Boskis cited data suggesting that Argentina leads the world in perceived stress levels, with nearly 49% of adults reporting feeling stressed. However, he cautioned that not everyone experiencing stress faces the same level of cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the need to identify individuals most vulnerable to the physical effects. Boskis stressed the importance of consulting a doctor for persistent symptoms, as they can sometimes mimic acute conditions like panic attacks, and ruling out underlying cardiac issues is crucial.