There's no denying that stress is a problem in our modern world. So many things that used to take time can now be done fairly quickly: sending and receiving mail, making coffee, making meals, getting a degree, and the list goes on. The problem is, with things being done at a speeding pace, it feels like there is more time to do other things. Thus, we're doing way more stuff in way less time, and we often feel obligated to keep up the pace. Add to that the ordinary stress of dealing with others, and a pressure-cooker situation develops. But how does this relate to heart disease?
What Stress Does to the Body
The human body, in order to keep up with the demands of the modern world, reacts in a "fight-or-flight" manner, preparing the body to meet a challenge or to avoid it. This mechanism was highly useful ages ago, when man was challenged by real physical threats (wild animals), but the mechanism has stayed with humans as they've evolved, and it still is initiated when something stressful is encountered.
Stress causes the hypothalamus gland to release certain hormones, namely adrenaline and cortisol, by way of the adrenal glands. These hormones cause certain metabolic reactions within the body, allowing the body to prepare for a challenge. Such changes include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased glusoce production for an increased energy supply. Systems which are nonessential are temporarily shut off, such as the immune system and the digestive system.
What Happens When Stress Levels Remain High
The body regulates back to normal after a challenge or threat, but if a person is continually stressed, this "fight-or-flight" mechanism remains activated, causing continually high levels of adrenaline and cortisol.
Such high hormone levels cause digestive problems, since this system is continaully being suppressed. The immune system is also suppressed, which can make a person more susceptible to illness. Ever notice that you continually catch colds and other bugs when you're most stressed?
Probably some of the most damaging results of prolonged stress response are the tolls placed on the cardiovascular system. Continually elevated adrenaline levels cause steady elevated blood pressure and heart rate. The heart and its blood vessels are working overtime to keep up with stress levels. These issues are major factors in the development of heart disease as well as the risk for stroke.
Prolonged elevated cortisol levels lead to high blood sugar and eventual diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major catalysts for the development of heart disease and the risk for stroke.
Signs of Continual Stress
- insomnia
- constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain
- headaches
- fatigue
- depression
- anger
- under or overeating
- smoking or drinking more than usual
- overspending
- withdrawing from others
Ways to Reduce Stress
It's important to develop techniques for dealing with chronic stress. With the proper ammunition, it can be reduced, warding off serious health issues that can lead to heart disease and/or stroke. Try these suggestions for decreasing your stress:
- Get enough sleep
- End unhealthy habits: smoking, drinking too much, overeating
- Reduce the causes of stress in your life by saying no to things that you don't want or can't do
- Exercise---- this is a great stress-buster!
- Meditate and/or seek a higher purpose
- Seek emotional counseling
References: WebMD, The Mayo Clinic
- For further information about women's health, read Female Hormones and Women's Coronary Health.
- For related health information, visit the General Health ARTICLE INDEX.
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