THE DOCTOR IS IN
Chronic STRESS,
chronic inflammation: A deadly combination for our hearts By Michael Radulescu, M.D.
C
hronic stress and symptoms of depression contribute to sickness and death from heart disease, though we’re not sure why. What we do know, however, is that our response to chronic stress leads to chronic inflammation that can literally clog us to death. You’ve probably heard of the “fight/ flight” stress response: the heart races, blood pressure rises and breathing becomes fast and shallow. These automatic, split-second responses deliver extra oxygen and nutrients to body parts that need them most, so that we can either flee from the source of danger or fight for our lives.
Angry lion, annoying boss: the same to our brain
Once the danger is gone, our blood pressure, heart rate and everything else gradually return back to normal. Here’s the problem: Our brain can’t tell the difference between stress caused by an angry lion and stress caused by an annoying boss. The lion stress is acute (short-term); the boss stress can be chronic, stretching on for months or years. The body’s response to both is the same. Research indicates that exposure to chronic stress generally increases vulnerability to coronary heart disease.
Chronic stressors lead to chronic inflammation
There is compelling scientific evidence to show that chronic stressors activate 1800-257-538
the immune system in a way that leads to persistent, or chronic, inflammation. With long-term exposure to inflammation, people develop symptoms of depression and experience progressive atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the root of heart disease. It’s also been shown that repeated episodes of acute mental stress may ultimately lead to atherosclerosis. Stress, by activating the release of various stress hormones, damages the lining of blood vessels. Add in the accumulation of other fatty nutrients, such as cholesterol, and we get plaques (semi-hard accumulations) around the blood vessels. When enough plaques accumulate, blood flow will be greatly reduced. This can trigger heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
What we can do to cope
Michael Radulescu, M.D. Michael Radulescu, M.D., is in private practice in New South Wales, AUS, after working in emergency medicine for several years. His specialty areas are cardiology, diabetes and neurology.
While we can’t banish daily stress, we can respond to it in better, healthier ways:
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T ry relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. L earn how to express our thoughts and feelings. S tay in close contact with friends and family. Cultivate a positive attitude. Stick to a healthy diet. Exercise daily. E liminate smoking and alcohol excess.
This article is intended for educational purposes only.
Australia Vol. IV 2013 l 25