Stress is the body’s natural response to threat — a survival mechanism. Of course, the sources of threat have certainly changed. In prehistoric times, that threat may have come from an impending attack by a wild animal; these days, stress can more likely stem from learning your colleague was given the promotion you were seeking.
When we’re under stress, the body reacts with a “flight-or-fight” response, releasing hormones — primarily adrenaline and cortisol — that increase heartbeat and blood pressure, giving us the ability to run away or stay and fight.
An unexpected burst of hormones — such as occurs with a sudden fit of anger — can actually bring on a heart attack.
But more often stress simmers, resulting in a low-level chronic condition that over time hikes the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
In addition, chronic stress increases cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, and coronary artery disease.