The answer is ale you’re ay vulnerable to begin with. Here’s how: AD stressful situation raises blood pressure and heart rate, mimicking the effects of physical exertion, If you have plaque obstructing your arteries, the additional blood pressure can rupture the plaque. Stress also makes blood “stickier” and. more likely to clot. Once blood cells begin sticking to the exposed plaque and ¢ blocking blood flow, you’re in heart attack territory.