Stress isn’t just a momentary feeling. It’s a built-in physiological response that causes the body’s blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure and pulse to rise, and the bloodstream to flood with adrenaline and cortisol. The more researchers learn, the clearer it becomes that chronic stress puts your health at risk.
The most significant health problems related to stress are:
• Hypertension/High Blood Pressure: The increased pressure of blood through the arteries can quietly do damage for years before symptoms develop. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder than necessary to pump blood to the rest of the body, which causes the heart muscle to weaken and work less efficiently. This increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest. High blood pressure also is one of the most common causes of kidney failure.
• Diabetes: Stress hormones raise the blood-sugar level to help boost energy when it’s needed most. Think of the fight-or-flight response — blood sugar rises to help meet the challenge. Stress also can increase the likelihood of bad behaviors, such as unhealthy eating and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Heart Disease: In addition to high blood pressure, stress is related to other problems — an increased likelihood of smoking or obesity — that indirectly increase heart risks. Sudden, intense stress can trigger serious cardiac problems, including heart attacks. People with chronic heart problems need to avoid acute stress as much as possible.
• Weight Gain: Stress causes higher levels of cortisol, also known as “the stress hormone.” Excess fat around the middle seems to pose greater health risks than fat on the legs or hips — and unfortunately, that’s just where people with high stress seem to store it. Cortisol increases the amount of fat deposited in the abdomen.
• Gastric Ulcer: Research suggests that stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers; however, it can make them worse. Stress also is a common factor in many other gastrointestinal conditions, such as chronic heartburn (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you persistently feel sad or anxious, can’t sleep, feel irritable and hopeless, are overwhelmed by physical complaints, or are unable to start or complete routine chores, talk with your provider or mental health professional. Call the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Network 24-hour access line at 1-800-300-0628. Professional counselors can help you discover the source of your stress and provide you with useful coping techniques.