Healthy Minds, Healthy Hearts: The Connection Between Mental Health and Heart Health

Thrive Wellness • February 2, 2022

By Thrive Reno’s Director of Nursing Liz Lass, RN, CEDRN, CPT

Anxiety and depression don’t only affect your thoughts and feelings, but your body as well — specifically your heart. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases , anxiety and depression can compromise the heart’s functioning.

STRESS, ANXIETY, AND HEART HEALTH

Humans have evolved to respond to threatening situations by activating the sympathetic nervous system and entering flight-or-fight mode . While this mode serves as an efficient way to protect you when presented with danger, it’s also the culprit for chronic stress and anxiety

When up against a perilous situation, the brain signals the adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Unfortunately, the brain isn’t adept at differentiating between different kinds of threats, nor their intensity. As such, it has difficulty deciphering between physical threats, such as an angry bear charging you, and perceived threats, such as failing an upcoming final exam or missing an important deadline. 

These flight-or-fight hormones increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, raise blood sugar levels, and tap into stored energy for fuel. So, if a bear is truly charging you, the surge of adrenaline and cortisol allows you to run as fast as you can to escape. Unfortunately, the body will respond similarly to perceived threats even though an urgent getaway isn’t required.

Although critical during acute situations, over time these hormones can wear on the body. When experiencing chronic stress or anxiety over whether you will pass a final exam or meet a deadline, your body remains in fight-or-flight mode. The resulting sustained elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar can lead to cardiovascular diseases

In addition to damaging the heart, the continuous release of stress hormones can affect other bodily processes, perceived as nonessential. For example, to maintain survival, cortisol can decrease the immune system’s functioning, slow digestion, and suppress the reproductive system. As a result, individuals struggling with chronic stress or anxiety may face infection as well as gastrointestinal and fertility issues.

DEPRESSION AND HEART HEALTH

The symptoms of depression , such as low mood, social isolation, and changes in appetite, can shift a person’s once healthy habits to destructive behaviors. Individuals suffering from depression typically struggle to practice self-care, nourish themselves adequately, connect with their loved ones, sleep well, and engage in movement. These consequential behaviors may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle which can harm the heart. 

In addition to disrupting a person’s lifestyle, depression can be detrimental to the body’s functioning. Depression can cause inflammation, which can clog arteries, increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline, and allow blood clots to form.

MINDFULNESS AND HEART HEALTH

Known to evoke feelings of calm, well-being, and purpose, mindful movement can help mitigate both anxiety and depression while also promoting heart health. Cardiovascular-focused mindful movement and aerobic activities such as running, biking, hiking, and dancing help strengthen the heart muscle and improve its ability to obtain oxygen from the bloodstream. Additionally, being active increases good cholesterol, helps lower blood pressure, and improves circulation for enhanced cardiovascular health. Physical activity also promotes better sleep, a positive outlook, and self-confidence and provides a natural energy boost among many other benefits .

Additionally, mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and massages can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and shift the fight-or-flight response to a rest-and-digest response , which allows the mind and body to relax. In rest-and-digest mode, the heart doesn’t have to endure the negative consequences of constant stress hormones. 

INTEGRATED HEALING AT THRIVE

Thrive’s experts know that healing the whole person requires sophisticated treatment that honors the intricate relationship between the mind, emotions, and body. Our team includes mental, behavioral, and physical health specialists who collaborate to provide client-centric care. Find out more about our integrated therapeutic services by reaching out to us. 

About the Author

Thrive Reno’s Director of Nursing Liz Lass, RN, CEDRN, CPT

Liz Lass, RN, CEDRN, CPT, is Thrive’s Director of Nursing and is truly passionate about working with the eating disorder community. Liz earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno, and Bachelor’s in Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Liz is a CEDRN (Certified Eating Disorder Registered Nurse) and has 9 years of experience working with the eating disorder population. Liz is also a certified personal trainer and is passionate about integrating her background of exercise science into her practice through mindful movement and helping clients heal their relationship with exercise. Her dynamic role at Thrive Wellness includes performing nursing assessments, providing meal support, leading groups, consultations, and assisting prescribers at Thrive Wellness with coordination of care between agencies, pharmacies, and laboratories. In her free time, Liz enjoys all that the Reno-Tahoe area has to offer, including skiing, hiking, biking, camping, wake-surfing, paddle boarding, and listening to live music. She grew up in Sun Valley, ID, and lives with her husband, two sons, and blue heeler in Verdi, NV.

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The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
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Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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