14.3 Stress and Illness

Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, especially when it becomes chronic. It messes with our immune system, making us more likely to get sick and heal slower. Plus, it can worsen existing health issues or even trigger new ones.

Our emotions play a big role in our physical health too. Depression and anger are linked to heart problems, while stress can set off asthma attacks and headaches. Managing stress and emotions is key to staying healthy.

Stress, Emotions and Physical Health

Chronic Stress and Immune System

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• Chronic stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol and other stress hormones
  • Cortisol suppresses the immune system when chronically elevated
    • Decreases production of white blood cells (leukocytes) that fight infection
    • Reduces inflammation response which helps heal injuries and fight pathogens (bacteria, viruses)
  • Stress hormones divert energy and resources away from the immune system to deal with perceived threat
• Weakened immune system due to chronic stress increases vulnerability to illnesses
  • Higher rates of viral infections (flu, common cold)
  • Slower wound healing and recovery from injury or surgery
  • Increased risk of autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy tissue (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)

Depression, Anger and Cardiovascular Disease

• Depression and cardiovascular disease have a bidirectional relationship
  • Depression increases the risk of developing heart disease and worsens prognosis
    • Depressed individuals have higher rates of heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and strokes (cerebrovascular accident)
    • Depression reduces motivation for healthy behaviors (exercise, balanced diet)
  • Cardiovascular disease can trigger or exacerbate depression
    • Physical limitations and decreased quality of life contribute to depressive symptoms
    • Inflammatory processes involved in heart disease (atherosclerosis) may play a role in depression pathophysiology
• Anger and hostility are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk
  • Outbursts of anger trigger acute stress responses that strain the cardiovascular system
    • Anger causes sudden increases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol)
    • These responses can trigger a heart attack or stroke in vulnerable individuals (elderly, pre-existing heart disease)
  • Chronically angry and hostile people have higher risk of hypertension and heart disease
    • Anger is associated with higher resting blood pressure and heart rate
    • Hostility may lead to more social isolation and less emotional support, further increasing disease risk

Psychological Factors in Asthma and Headaches

• Stress is a common trigger for asthma attacks
  • Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases hormones (cortisol, epinephrine)
    • These stress responses cause airways to constrict and become inflamed
    • Airway constriction and inflammation make it difficult to breathe, leading to wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Stress also suppresses the immune system which increases susceptibility to respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) that worsen asthma symptoms
• Tension headaches and migraines are often triggered or worsened by stress and emotions
  • Stress causes muscles to tense up, especially in the head, neck and shoulders
    • Sustained muscle tension leads to tension headaches
    • Tension headaches are described as a tight band of pressure around the head
  • Negative emotions (anxiety, depression) are common migraine triggers
    • Exact mechanism is unclear but may involve neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine)
    • Migraines involve severe throbbing head pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light/sound
  • Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation) and stress management (time management, assertiveness) can help prevent stress-related headaches