De-stress: how stress impacts your health

Here in Israel, we can definitely say that the word ‘stress’ characterizes each and every citizen. Every person experiences some sense of stress in their lifetime - due to war, terror attack or their financial situation. In recent years, research literature has found a direct connection between stress and numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. When under stress, the body releases hormones - adrenalin and cortisol, that have a negative effect on the immune system and contribute to an increase in inflammatory markers. The hormones in the adrenalin family accelerate the heart rate and increase blood pressure. Over time, this excess activity may damage the blood vessels. Chronic stress also increases the levels of inflammation in our bodies and may cause higher blood pressure, so that, in fact, pressure is applied to the artery walls, and this pressure can lead to damage to the endothelium layer (the internal layer of the blood vessels).

One of the common issues among the majority of the adult population is atherosclerosis that is affected by the classic risk factors, including hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, sex, age and family history. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque on the blood vessel walls, which blocks the normal flow of blood in the arteries. When there is less oxygenated blood in body tissue, the function of that organ is impaired. For example, in the heart, it can lead to a myocardial infarction due to low blood supply, while in the brain it may lead to a stroke.

Stress is still not considered a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease, but studies show that it is a potential risk factor for development and exacerbation of common diseases, including diabetes, cancer and particularly cardiovascular disease. Also, people under stress tend to smoke, drink alcohol and eat unhealthy food more, all behaviors that increase the risk of various diseases.

In addition to cardiovascular issues, stress can negatively impact and affect our health in a variety of ways, both physical and psychological. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, cause problems in the digestive tract such as stomachaches, diarrhea or constipation, chronic muscle tension, pain and functional issues. Even in terms of our mental health, chronic stress has an impact on the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

In short, HYMC Cardiology Division Director, Prof. Ariel Roguin, said, “In addition to the immediate impact on energy and vitality, studies show that stress increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks, and may accelerate various diseases including diabetes and cancer. It's important to be aware of the physical and mental health dangers that can emerge due to these feelings, regardless of whether the stress is permanent or stress that comes on suddenly for a short period of time. You should be vigilant, get checked and not be afraid to ask for help. To reduce the risk, we recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stopping smoking and management of stress through meditation, yoga or psychological therapy. Today, we have good medicines to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure and more, and they allow us to continue living a healthy and good lifestyle, even if there are risk factors in the background.”

Throughout September, the physicians from Hillel Yaffe's Cardiology Division will be offering free lectures on this subject to the general public. Click here for the up-to-date list of lectures: https://hymc.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=23&ArticleID=1328