Easy on the Arteries

Keeping your anxiety levels low may help keep the quality of your artery function high. Studies suggest that people who are prone to experiencing anxiety may be at increased risk for impaired artery function. This, in turn, could put them at higher risk for heart disease.

When times get tense, employ a stress-reduction strategy, such as taking long, deep breaths. Controlled breathing can help ease anxiety. When you are anxious, you tend to breathe shallowly, using your upper chest muscles. Controlled breathing can counteract this stress response and induce calm in 3 to 5 minutes.

Begin by lying on your back. Place one hand over your heart and the other on your abdomen. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for a count of four. Watch the hand on your abdomen rise as you fill your lungs with air, expanding your chest. (The hand over your heart should barely move, if at all.) Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale slowly through the mouth or nose for a count of four. Repeat for 10 full breaths. Work up to two or three sets of 10 breaths.