Stress causes the body to release cortisol, causing an increase in blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. While stress is a natural and sometimes beneficial emotion, chronic or severe stress can be unhealthy for your mental and physical well-being. Learn more about the types of stress and stress’s affect on the heart and cardiovascular health. Show
What Are the Types of Stress?Stress is a part of your body’s natural fight-or-flight response and is designed to protect you from danger. While stress is a normal emotion, chronic or severe stress can negatively impact mental and physical health. The three common types of stress include: 1. Acute StressAcute stress is normal and occurs in everyone, as it’s your body’s natural immediate response to potential danger. You may experience acute stress if you get in a minor fender bender or are about to give a big presentation at work. Acute stress may even happen before doing something you enjoy, like biking down a steep trail or other exciting activities. In most cases, acute stress doesn’t cause the body harm or long-term complications. Once the perceived danger passes, acute stress quickly and naturally dissipates. While acute stress is expected, severe acute stress can negatively impact health. For example, severe acute stress may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions. 2. Episodic Acute StressSimilar to acute stress, episodic acute stress occurs when you experience frequent episodes of acute stress. Episodic acute stress commonly affects those who have anxiety or frequently worry about future events. Approximately 31.1% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetimes. While an anxiety disorder may cause episodic acute stress, certain professions may lead to frequent stress, including surgeons, firefighters or law enforcement. Severe episodic acute stress can negatively impact your mental and physical health. 3. Chronic StressChronic stress is a constant or prolonged feeling of stress that can negatively impact your overall health, especially if not treated. Traumatic situations and daily pressures often cause chronic stress. Research estimates that 8.3 million American adults experience serious psychological distress. Chronic stress occurs when you experience frequent or intense stressors where the autonomic nervous system doesn’t have time to initiate the body’s relaxation response. High stress levels can contribute to cardiovascular disease, anxiety, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. How Stress Affects the Heart and Blood VesselsWhile stress is a normal aspect of life, severe or chronic stress can increase a person’s risk of developing an illness. Many people experience stress from traumatic events, work, money and other life stressors. Your body’s natural response to stress is designed to protect you, but if stress is severe or constant, your body’s reaction may lead to poor health. People with chronic stress may experience pain, aches, anxiety, depression, anger, impatience, forgetfulness, low energy and poor sleep. While stress can negatively affect heart health directly, there are also indirect complications of stress. For example, stress may cause you to make unhealthy life choices, affecting heart health. Stress may increase the risk of or worsen:
Stress-Reducing Activities to Help Your HeartThere are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help your heart. Some of the most effective ways to reduce stress include:
Book an Appointment TodayAt the Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, we offer state-of-the-art cardiovascular care with innovative diagnostic tools and compassionate patient care. Our priority at Modern Heart and Vascular Institute is prevention. We help patients lead healthier lives by avoiding unnecessary procedures and surgeries. Contact us online to learn more and book an appointment. If you’d like to learn more about our practice, read our providers’ bios. This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you need cardiovascular care, please call us at 832-644-8930. What are 3 examples of chronic stress?Types of Chronic Stress
Environmental stress (where you live and work) Relationship stress (how you relate to friends, family, co-workers, partners) Work stress (challenges and pressures related to your job)
What are 5 health effects of chronic stress?Digestive problems. Headaches. Muscle tension and pain. Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.
What is one reason chronic long term stress might lead to cardiovascular disease?Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease. This stress can also cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque deposits in the arteries.
What happens to the cardiovascular system during the stress response?Inflammation and Cardiovascular Health
High stress can also affect the heart and cardiovascular system by spurring inflammation in the arteries, a risk factor for atherosclerosis/hardening of the arteries. As stress hormone levels rise in the bloodstream, blood sugar levels increase, too.
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