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Content: Stresses in the body bring about hormonal changes, which affect all body systems. Acute or short-term stress can rapidly affect the cardiovascular system, nervous system, sense organs, and the immune system and prepare them for a fight-or-flight response. However, if a person is repeatedly subjected to stressful situations and chronic stress develops, then it can be detrimental, causing stress symptoms that can result in both physical and mental health concerns. Individuals with heart conditions or other pre-existing health conditions may be severely affected by both short-term and long-term stress. The negative health effects of bad stress may include: Hypertension or high blood pressure, especially observed in men
Atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque deposits form on arterial walls, choking the arteries
Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes due to hypertension and atherosclerosis
Individuals affected by abnormal heart rhythms are higher prone to severe arrhythmias
Neurological and behavioral changes, which include anger, irritability, anxiety, and depression, that may lead to substance abuse
Weight gain and obesity due to an increased appetite, leading to increased food intake and decreased physical activities and sleep. Individuals are also at a higher risk for eating disorders
Weakening of the immune system due to reduced white blood cells, making an individual vulnerable to infections such as the flu or common cold
Stress-related gastrointestinal disorders, causing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, with symptoms that include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, constipation, burning sensation, etc. Increased severity of diabetes
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Sexual function: In men - decreased sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sperm count. In women - decreased sexual drive, severe pain during PMS, changes in the menstrual cycle, and mood changes
Lack of concentration, learning difficulties, impaired memory, and depression
Despite the above, there are simple, effective, and healthy measures available that may be used and practiced to help prevent too much adverse impact of stress on our daily life.