Stress and Cardiovascular Disease
There is a strong association between stress and cardiovascular disease. We are aware that stress affects our health and wellbeing. The detrimental effects of stress on the cardiovascular system have been documented through research. Blood Pressure Our blood pressure varies according to different mental stress activity. This differs according to the length of the stress endured, psychological preparedness, expectations and a person’s background.
Acute stress is associated with increased blood pressure, but does chronic stress lead to cardiovascular disease? Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular disease as its prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Heart Rate Heart rate also increases with stress as the body prepares to protect itself with ‘fight or flight’. The types of stressor may include such things as a test, video game, public speaking, etc. Changes in behaviour may modify cardiovascular response, heart rate in particular. Although studies show that stress alters cardiovascular response, it does not prove that stress induces cardiovascular disease. Psychological Stress and Cardiovascular Disease A strong association is found between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease. Personality factors such as anger, hostility, depression and anxiety have been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Responding to stress with anger, increases risk of cardiovascular disease, especially myocardial infarction (heart attack). Studies have shown that men with a type A behaviour had a greater risk of coronary heart disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) increases with hostility and a sense of urgency or impatience. It is clear that reactions to situations evoke responses of the nervous system. Chronic stressors such as major life changes as well as psychological stress have been found to link to cardiovascular disease. Personality factors play a large role in stress and cardiovascular disease. How stress affects your health and wellbeing is determined by how you perceive stress, and your behaviours, thoughts and reaction to stressors. A healthy diet and lifestyle, stress reduction techniques, anger management and treatment of psychological stress is suggested by experts for people who suffer from cardiovascular disorders. Please see your health physician for advice.
Buckingham, J.C., Gillies, G.E. & Cowell, A. (1997). Stress, stress hormones and the immune system. John Wiley & Sons, London. Hubbard, J.R. & Workman, E.A. (1998). Handbook of stress medicine: An organ system approach. CRC Press, New York. Lovallo, W.R. (2005). Stress & Health. Sage Publications, California. Oxington, K.V. (2005). Stress and health: New research. Nova Medical Books, New York. Seyle, H. (1956). The Stress of Life. New York: McGraw-Hill. Also see the Bibliography.
How does stress affect health?
How does stress affect the immune system?
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