Stress is something we are all probably familiar with. Stress can be beneficial in the short term and can even help you survive in times of danger.
If you are frightened by a large dog, you can trigger your stress response to getaway.
But, stress can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health if it is chronic. Research has shown that chronic stress is a risk factor for developing heart disease.
This article will discuss the basics of stress and how chronic stress can increase your risk of developing heart disease. We also have information on how to manage stress healthily.
What’s stress?
Stress Your body’s reaction to a psychological or physical trigger you perceive as difficult or threatening. Stress is simply any change that you must adapt to.
Although we tend to view stress negatively, it is not all bad. It’s possible to have good stress, which is called eustress.
Eustress can be described as the stress of starting a new job. Although it may seem daunting initially, there will be challenges along the way. It gives you and your team the chance to shine, learn new skills and be recognized for the great work they do.
Acute and chronic stress are two types of stress. Both can harm your body and lead to specific changes.
Acute stress
Acute stress can be short-term and easily identifiable. You might experience acute stress if you:
- Interview for a job
- Public speaking is required
- Visit the dentist
- Get stuck in traffic on your way to work
- You are driving and must swerve to avoid another car.
Your body responds to acute stress by recognizing the need to adjust and return to normal.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress is when you are faced with a challenge without a clear end. You are more likely to be faced with an ongoing threat.
Chronic stress can cause your body not to heal and return to its normal state.
This type of stress can cause your heart rate and breathing to slow down and muscles tension to increase. Your digestive system may also suffer. Your immune system might also be less efficient.
Many factors can cause chronic stress. Some examples include:
- Dealing with chronic illness
- Financial worries
- Family or relationship problems
- Caring for a family member
- Workplace pressures or problems
- Discrimination and racism
What does stress do to your body?
The stress response is an adaptive process that prepares your body for a challenge or threat. After perceiving something stressful or threatening, the stress response starts in your brain.
In general, the stress response can be divided into two components:
- Cortisol. If you are faced with stress, your brain releases cortisol. This is also known as the “stresshormone”. It helps you to deal with stressful situations by increasing your energy level. Cortisol works by moving sugars from your liver into the bloodstream, where they can be used for energy.
- Epinephrine, norepinephrine Another part of your brain signals to increase hormone production Epinephrine, norepinephrine. This is also known as the “fight or flee” part of the stress response. These hormones can prepare the body for dealing with stressful situations by:
- Increasing your heart rate and blood pressure
- Increasing your respiration
- Increasing blood flow to your muscles
- decreasing digestion
- How to increase your energy supply
