Right kind of stress can actually protect your heart: Cardiologist explains the difference between good and bad stress
In a world where stress is universally viewed as a silent killer, a leading heart specialist is calling for a perspective shift. Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon from Savannah, Georgia, has sparked an important conversation through a video shared on his Instagram account, suggesting that not all stress is harmful. In fact, the right type may be essential for a healthier and stronger heart.
Stress Is Not the Enemy, But the Type Matters
Dr London described a paradox often overlooked in public health discussions: while chronic emotional strain can severely damage cardiovascular health, controlled and purposeful stress can actually protect the heart. In his video post, he said that good stress is the kind one chooses, rather than the kind that overwhelms without warning.
Using aerobic exercise as the clearest example, he explained that activities like running, swimming, cycling or brisk walking put the cardiovascular system through controlled stress. According to his explanation, this process strengthens the heart, enhances blood vessel flexibility and improves the body’s autonomic balance, helping it shift toward recovery and resilience.
Chronic Stress Can Turn Deadly
While deliberate physical exertion builds endurance, Dr London warned that chronic emotional or mental stress has the opposite effect. He noted that persistent psychological stress keeps the body in a prolonged fight-or-flight mode due to elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels.
He highlighted that this continuous hormonal surge increases blood pressure, stiffens arteries, fuels inflammation and heightens the risk of arrhythmias, plaque formation and heart attacks even in individuals without typical cardiac risk indicators.
Training the Heart to Adapt
Dr London emphasized that exercise-induced stress trains the body to cope better with emotional strain. By improving heart rate variability and lowering inflammatory response, cardiovascular fitness enhances recovery after emotional shocks and challenges.
Quoting from his Instagram post, he encouraged people to embrace positive forms of challenge, stating that resilience is built with effort and that the right kind of stress can help the heart grow stronger over time.
With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr Jeremy London is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in complex heart and vascular procedures, including bypass surgery, aortic treatments and minimally invasive interventions like TAVR. Alongside his medical work, he actively educates the public about holistic heart health through his website, podcast and social media platforms. His teachings blend root-cause prevention strategies with traditional medical practice, often informed by his own journey as a former cardiac patient.
Stress Is Not the Enemy, But the Type Matters
Dr London described a paradox often overlooked in public health discussions: while chronic emotional strain can severely damage cardiovascular health, controlled and purposeful stress can actually protect the heart. In his video post, he said that good stress is the kind one chooses, rather than the kind that overwhelms without warning.
Using aerobic exercise as the clearest example, he explained that activities like running, swimming, cycling or brisk walking put the cardiovascular system through controlled stress. According to his explanation, this process strengthens the heart, enhances blood vessel flexibility and improves the body’s autonomic balance, helping it shift toward recovery and resilience.
Chronic Stress Can Turn Deadly
While deliberate physical exertion builds endurance, Dr London warned that chronic emotional or mental stress has the opposite effect. He noted that persistent psychological stress keeps the body in a prolonged fight-or-flight mode due to elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels.
He highlighted that this continuous hormonal surge increases blood pressure, stiffens arteries, fuels inflammation and heightens the risk of arrhythmias, plaque formation and heart attacks even in individuals without typical cardiac risk indicators.
Training the Heart to Adapt
Dr London emphasized that exercise-induced stress trains the body to cope better with emotional strain. By improving heart rate variability and lowering inflammatory response, cardiovascular fitness enhances recovery after emotional shocks and challenges.
Quoting from his Instagram post, he encouraged people to embrace positive forms of challenge, stating that resilience is built with effort and that the right kind of stress can help the heart grow stronger over time.
With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr Jeremy London is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in complex heart and vascular procedures, including bypass surgery, aortic treatments and minimally invasive interventions like TAVR. Alongside his medical work, he actively educates the public about holistic heart health through his website, podcast and social media platforms. His teachings blend root-cause prevention strategies with traditional medical practice, often informed by his own journey as a former cardiac patient.
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