Doctors advise us to deal with the stress in our lives because it adversely affects our health. Stress is linked to insomnia; digestive problems; rashes, hives and other skin conditions; breakdowns in the immune system; and depression and emotional distress.

When it comes to matters of the heart, the connection is not so clear. Medical researchers have found some links between stress and the risk of heart disease, and they continue to search for more answers.

Here’s what they do know:

• Chronic stress creates unhealthy levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Constant release of stress hormones can raise your heart rate as well as your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Cortisol appears to play a role in the accumulation of belly fat, which creates a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

• Stress can worsen other heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• High levels of stress tend to aggravate behaviors such as overeating and smoking, putting your heart at risk.

• Some studies link stress to changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of a heart attack. The bottom line? Stress isn’t healthy. If you’re stressed out, chances are your heart is, too.