Affect of stress on health

It's impossible to predict the affect stress will have on an individuals health. People react differently  and the levels and frequency of the stress will always be different. What can be quantified however are the affects that stress will have on the body and some of the typical symptoms that result.

Sudden stress, that might result if you missed the train for an important job interview, can often cause a rise in blood pressure, shallow breathing, the clenching of the jaw or fists or perhaps a headache. While sudden stress is not overly good for the health, it is often seen as a side effect of a busy lifestyle and can be managed.

When sudden stress becomes significantly bad for the health is when it occurs on a regular basis and goes untreated or unrelieved. This stress is commonly known as chronic stress.

Chronic stress is likely to alter the heart rythmns and change the chemical makeup of the blood. It is thought to increase the level of amino acid homocysteine which has been linked to an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease, strokes and blood clots.

Chronic stress is also thought to affect the immune system. It is believed that the count of white blood cells in the system of a person under chronic stress are lower than that of a unstressed person. This increases the likelihood of acquiring common colds and flus and other ailments. It will  take longer to rid the body of the ailment too.

Stomach complaints are common for people suffering from chronic stress. Common responses are diarrhea, bloating, constipation and cramping. It is thought that the metabolic rate is altered by chronic stress and this leads to problems dealing with food.

Brain functions are thought to be affected by high levels of stress. Memory, concentration and learning functions are all thought to be impaired by the increase in hormones, particularly adrenaline, circulating through the blood stream due to higher stress levels.

Finally sexual functions could also be affected. In men, this might cause temporary impotence due to poor blood circulation. In women a loss of sexual desire and intensified PMS symptoms might occur.   

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