![]() ![]() Research suggests that chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety, depression, and addiction. ![]() Over time, repeated activation of the stress response takes a toll on the body. Over the years, researchers have learned not only how and why these reactions occur, but have also gained insight into the long-term effects chronic stress has on physical and psychological health. ![]() Unfortunately, the body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as traffic jams, work pressure, and family difficulties. The carefully orchestrated yet near-instantaneous sequence of hormonal changes and physiological responses helps someone to fight the threat off or flee to safety. ![]() This combination of reactions to stress is also known as the "fight-or-flight" response because it evolved as a survival mechanism, enabling people and other mammals to react quickly to life-threatening situations. A stressful incident can make the heart pound and breathing quicken. Chronic activation of this survival mechanism impairs healthĪ stressful situation - whether something environmental, such as a looming work deadline, or psychological, such as persistent worry about losing a job - can trigger a cascade of stress hormones that produce well-orchestrated physiological changes. ![]()
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