Stress
The Fight-or-Flight Response
The stressful consequences of living in our modern Western society-- constant insecurity
in a job, inability to make deadlines because
of the sheer weight of obligations, financial concerns, family issues, the daily news, and
having a chronic illness--we are all too familiar
with the stresses we encounter. But we are less familiar with the consequences of these stresses, not only on our mind but on our body.
Humans, like other animals, react in a predictable way to acute and chronic stressful situations which trigger an involuntary, automatic, survival response that is part of our physiology.When faced with situations that trigger a behavior change, this involuntary response increases our blood pressure, heart rate, rate of breathing, blood flow to the muscles, and metabolism, preparing us to fight or run. As a result people with any chronic illness and stress--like heart disease and high blood pressure, irregular heart beats, and lupus-- have this physical response which ultimately has a very bad effect on their health. With a few exceptions, stress does not cause illness, but it certainly may increase rate of illness progression and worsen symptoms.
Health Effects
The chart below summarizes just some of the health effects of stress.
Health Effects of Stress_____________________________________
Impaired Function of the Immune System Increased Cholesterol
Increased Inflammation Increased Triglycerides
Decreased Bone Density Increased Blood Clotting
Problems with Memory Impaired Wound Healing
Increased Appetite Poor Sleep
Weight Gain Increased Sensations of Pain
Fat Deposited in Abdomen More Fatigue
Increased Resistance to Insulin Mood Change-anxiety, depression
Increased Blood Sugar Adoption of Less Healthy Habits
Increased Heart Rate Increased Blood Pressure
Increased Muscle Tension Changes in Body Temperature
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There are a number of ways to physically offset stress symptoms through physical activity and relaxation.
We can help you change your response to stress and improve your health. You can take charge of your health and well-being. Click on Specialized Programs for a description of how HeartChange can help you.
