Not only does it trigger heart disease, these are the 6 dangers of prolonged anxiety and stress

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Heart disease can be caused by prolonged anxiety or stress.

Brilio.net - Anxiety and stress are common feelings experienced by many people in everyday life. However, the dangers of prolonged anxiety and stress are often ignored. In fact, the impact can be very detrimental to health. Prolonged anxiety and stress not only affect heart health, but also cause other serious disorders.

Reporting from Antara, a Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist from Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto Hospital, Rio Probo Kaneko revealed that the factor of heart disease can be caused by anxiety or prolonged stress . It was further explained that prolonged stress causes the body to respond by releasing excessive epinephrine, cortisol, and dopamine hormones.

When the hormone increases, it can give a bad signal for heart health. The negative impact is that the heart works harder until it beats much faster. Not only stress, according to him, long-term anxiety also has the same impact. Especially if experienced for a period of 6 to 12 months.

However, if the anxiety and stress experienced only last 1 to 2 days, it is not considered dangerous. So what are the dangers of prolonged anxiety and stress for a person's body? To be more aware of yourself, here is a complete review adapted by brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (19/9).

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Prolonged anxiety and stress can lead to serious mental health disorders. Prolonged stress can trigger disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, individuals who experience chronic stress have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression, because a stressed nervous system disrupts the brain's chemical balance.

These symptoms often involve feelings of excessive anxiety, deep sadness, and difficulty in carrying out daily activities. It is important to identify and treat this disorder early to prevent long-term impacts on mental health.

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to various infections and diseases. Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, shows that chronic stress can reduce the production of white blood cells, which are an important part of the immune system.

This condition makes the body more susceptible to infections such as flu, colds, and even more serious infections. This mechanism is related to the increased production of stress hormones such as cortisol which inhibits the function of the immune system. Therefore, effective stress management is important to maintain immune health and prevent disease.

Chronic anxiety and stress often lead to sleep disturbances, which can have a negative impact on overall health. According to Sleep Medicine Reviews, individuals who experience chronic stress may experience difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or insomnia.

This sleep disorder can cause fatigue, decreased concentration, and health problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lack of quality sleep can also worsen stress and anxiety, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. Therefore, it is important to find ways to cope with stress and maintain healthy sleep habits.

Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease and blood vessel problems. Research published in Circulation suggests that chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and worsen heart conditions.

Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol can increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to narrow, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Chronic stress can also have a negative impact on the digestive system. According to the Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, stress can cause or worsen conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and ulcers.

Stress can interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system, causing symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. This is because stress can affect the secretion of stomach acid and bowel movements. Managing stress in the right way, such as through a healthy diet and relaxation techniques, can help reduce symptoms of digestive disorders.

Lastly, prolonged anxiety and stress can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that people who experience chronic stress often experience decreased work productivity, disrupted interpersonal relationships, and low life satisfaction.

Unmanaged stress can lead to relationship problems, difficulty functioning effectively at work, and even reduced quality of social interactions. Coping with stress in healthy ways and seeking social support can help improve quality of life and overall well-being.

(brl/mal)