Financial Strain May Lead to an Aging Heart

Have you been to see your doctor lately? In the past couple of months, I have gone for my yearly physical and been visited by a physician’s assistant at home for a free of charge “wellness visit”. I was going to pass on the home visit, but it was provided by my health insurance company and I figured why not. I enjoy knowing thyself. I am happy to report that both visits provided me with great news about my health and wellness.

But interestingly both my primary doc and the PA asked me questions about my general financial and food security or lack thereof. To be honest, I don’t have issues with either one. But questions about financial stress were new to me. It turns out there is good reason that medical professionals are asking questions about social stressors as much as suggesting you get your heart scanned and blood drawn.

According to a recent study by Mayo Clinic money problems can lead to an aging heart and potential cardiovascular issues.

This study, with the help of AI, analyzed several hundred thousand electrocardiograms and found that financial stressors have the highest connection to accelerated aging heart. This was more than many other social factors including food or housing insecurity caused stress.

According to a related article, people with money issues may have a 60% greater risk of death over two years. This even far outweighed the risk of death in those with a previous heart attack.

It’s time to take some action is you are stressed out by money issues. Take a breath and try to relax. Prayer is important here. Pray for God to give you financial peace as He is the ultimate provider of everything. Pray for a release of anxiety and for wisdom in dealing with your money matters.

Even while under pressure, it may help to focus on the needs of others, financially or otherwise. Let God know that you are thankful for what has been given to you and what may still be provided in your life. Honestly, this may finally be the time to create a realistic budget and track your spending to take control. Set financial goals while building an emergency fund.

And tackle your debt. If interest rates are indeed coming down, find ways to refinance your debts. You can usually do this over and over as rates fall. Running up bills on a credit card that charges 32% interest is a sure way to create stress. Trust God who is there to listen. But know that God gave you a brain to go to work, often hard work, on fixing your finances. Use your brain power and save your heart health!