Which is a strategy for stress reduction as part of risk factor modification?

• A. Coping mechanisms
• B. Ignore stress
• C. Increase caffeine
• D. High-sodium intake

Answer: (A)

Managing stress is a part of reducing cardiovascular risk, and coping mechanisms provide practical ways to handle stress without resorting to unhealthy responses. When people have skills for dealing with stress—like deep breathing, mindfulness or relaxation, problem-solving, and drawing on social support—the body’s stress response stays more controlled. This supports better adherence to medications, healthier lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, sleep), and overall heart health. By lowering the physiological arousal that stress can trigger, coping strategies help prevent spikes in blood pressure and heart rate that stress can cause.

Choosing to ignore stress doesn’t lessen the body's response to it and can allow harmful patterns to take over. Increasing caffeine intake can raise heart rate and blood pressure, potentially worsening stress-related effects. High-sodium intake raises blood pressure and fluid retention, which undermines risk-factor modification.