The bottom line? Our heart health is deeply connected to our emotional health.

We've all heard the news:

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in many countries.

• It's important to control our cholesterol by exercising more, improving our diet and if necessary, with medication.

• High blood pressure (above 140/90) should be lowered through medication or lifestyle change.

• Maintaining our ideal weight, controlling blood sugar and quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk heart disease.

We've all heard the news:

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in many countries.

• It's important to control our cholesterol by exercising more, improving our diet and if necessary, with medication.

• High blood pressure (above 140/90) should be lowered through medication or lifestyle change.

• Maintaining our ideal weight, controlling blood sugar and quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk heart disease.

What many of us don't know is the degree to which stress and emotions contribute to heart disease. The classic flight-or-fight response that occurs when our sympathetic nervous system is over-stimulated can cause inflammation in the arteries, making it easier for plaque to build up.

Research shows that after feeling angry, the blood platelets become sticky, increasing the likelihood of developing a clot. Anger also decreases our immune system's response for several hours - while feeling gratitude actually improves it.

Dealing with (or not dealing with) our emotions can cause unhealthy behaviors that increase our risk of heart problems. Overeating (especially with sweets or sugar-laden foods), smoking, skipping exercise and excessive drinking are just a few of those behaviors. It's as if we should ask, "What's eating you?" instead of "What are you eating?"

Low economic status, depression and social isolation are also linked to increases in heart disease risk.

The bottom line is that our heart health is deeply connected to our emotional health. My theory is that by improving our emotional well-being we also improve our physical well-being.

Linguistically, "the heart" is amazing. If you Google "quotes on the heart," you'll find topics referring to trust, love, empathy, faith, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, gratefulness, hope, anger, truth, sympathy, passion, feeling, healing, determination and much more. An endless number of emotions are connected to the heart. Have you ever wondered if when our heart feels "broken," is hurting or when we've closed off emotionally, it can affect the actual physical health of our heart?

With Valentine's Day coming soon, love will be the heart's focus this month. Think of how complicated even the emotion love is. How many kinds of love can you feel? Do you love a friend in a different way than you do your child or your pets or your fellow human beings? Does how much you love yourself affect your heart health? I bet the answer is a resounding "Yes."

If you think improving your emotional health might be a good investment toward your physical health, try some of the following exercises. Remember, though, if grief, anger, frustration, or depression dominate your thoughts, seek support or professional help.

• Show compassion (for yourself). Treat yourself the way you would a best friend. Encourage, compliment, congratulate and have faith in you. Watch how negative your self-talk can be – and ignore it.

• Be aware of the emotions you're feeling. Are they positive or negative? If you're stressed, figure out how to change the situation, get out of it or change the way you see it.

• Practice the HeartMath technique. When you feel anger, say "Stop!" Bring your attention to the heart beating in your chest Think about one thing or a person that you're truly grateful for or one thing that truly warms your heart. Hold that feeling in your heart for 3-4 minutes. Notice the calm that comes into your body

• Work on letting go of resentments. If you have ill feelings towards someone, ask yourself, "Why does this bother me?" Continue asking yourself this until you really understand the issue. Then, make a plan of action. Decide if it's something you can change and begin the process; leave the situation; let it go.

• Look inside. Ask yourself, "How can I better care for and protect my heart? If I could open my heart just a little bit, how would it affect me?"

Let's fill February with healthy heart emotions and actions and feel our hearts rejoice. Wishing you all a life filled with much love and a strong, healthy and happy heart.

Maureen "Mo" Geraghty M.A., a certified yoga teacher and Exercise Kinesiologist, has been teaching for over 20 years. She offers classes for all levels in Centro and north of the marina. For more info: www.mazatlanyoga.com or 044-669-159-1655.