Effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system Increased strength & speed of heartbeat Hypertension Strain on the heart Thickening & narrowing of arteries Enlargement of the heart (resulting in increased work, less able to maintain proper blood flow, fatigue ) Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) High cholesterol
Effects of chronic stress on the musculo-skeletal system Muscular reactivity Chronic muscular tension and pain Migraine and tension headaches Exaggeration of reflexive postural patterns Bone demineralisation
Effects of chronic stress on the digestive tract Gastritis Stomach & duodenal ulcers Stomach pain Obesity Colitis Irritable bowel syndrome
Effects of chronic stress on the reproductive system Infertility Menstrual disorders Impotence or premature ejaculation Loss of libido
Effects of chronic stress on the urinary system Bladder urgency Incontinence
Effects of chronic stress on the immune system Allergies Increased susceptibility to illness such as common cold Autoimmune conditions (Diabetes type 1, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis)
Effects of Chronic Stress on metabolism Metabolic Disorder Diabetes
Effects of chronic stress on the respiratory system Asthma symptoms often worsen under mental or emotional stress Hyperventilation Breathing pattern disorder