Stress and Heart disease

Worry and stress affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system, and profoundly affects heart action.  ~  Charles W. Mayo

 

Stress is the body’s reaction to wear and tear. Every activity sets up a stress. Most diseases stem from this common cause.  It is important to understand that emotions influence body health. As such, stress is not the culprit. The trouble arises when it is prolonged or when it comes too often or when it is concentrated on any one particular organ in the body. The stressor sets off the adrenalin glands which force adrenalin into the system. When the excitement is over, the body quickly reverts to normal activities. Stressors need not necessarily be violent. For example, a gentle stroking on your forehead may help you drop off to a sleep. Emotional stress is useful in many ways. A new job can be very exciting, which will make you handle the job with greater efficiency.  An exciting match peps you up, any let down followed is healthy relaxation. If it weren’t for stress, you would be living like a vegetable. The stress that is destructive is the one that you don’t recognize. It comes from persistent anger, fear, frustration and worry.

Stress and disease

Despair often breeds disease ~ Sophocles

 

The translation of emotional distress to physiological change, and thence to a physical symptom is known as 'transduction'. In transduction, a situation is perceived, a meaning is assigned to it, an emotional response is elicited and a physiological reaction results. A complex auto immune facilitates this. When most of us think of the physical effects of stress, our minds jump to common complaints like headaches and upset stomachs. Stress, however, can affect many aspects of physical and mental health, ranging from hair, teeth, and skin to memory and concentration skills, and even how well we sleep. Psychosomatic refers to a disorder having physical symptoms but originating from mental or emotional causes. Also relating to or concerned with the influence of the mind on the body, and the body on the mind, especially with respect to disease. The good news is while these problems may seem serious, stress relief can lead to real improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Dealing with Stress

Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one  ~ Hans Selye

 

Every activity sets us up for stress. We are not to blame for stress. It happens to all of us, despite our best efforts to avoid it. There are situations beyond our control that cause stress in our lives like a sudden illness or death of a loved one, a personal assault, a terrorist attack, a tsunami or earthquake etc. People who experience such events have difficulty sleeping, feel detached, have nightmares. Some even suffer from an extreme level of stress called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, memory problems, and other physical and mental health problems. The disorder can affect people's day-to-day life, including their ability to function socially.