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STRESS AND HEALTH

Physiological Impact of Stress

Overview

Stress is not only a psychological experience but a physiological response that significantly affects health. Chronic or severe stress can contribute to the onset, progression, or exacerbation of various illnesses by disrupting normal bodily functions. Among the chief health consequences are immunosuppression—where the immune system's ability to fight infection is weakened—and cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and heart disease.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AND STRESS: The Mechanisms

The immune system protects the body from pathogens. Stress affects immunity mainly through the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which are known to suppress immune functioning.

1

Cortisol & Inflammation

Cortisol suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting the production of cytokines, the signaling molecules that activate immune cells.
2

Lymphocyte Activity

It reduces the proliferation and activity of lymphocytes (white blood cells involved in the adaptive immune response).
3

Efficiency Loss

These changes mean that the immune system becomes less efficient at identifying and attacking pathogens.

Key Insights: Infection Risk and Wound Healing

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This immunosuppression explains why people under chronic stress are more susceptible to infections like the common cold and influenza. For example, studies show that individuals experiencing high stress levels are more likely to develop colds when exposed to cold viruses.

Long-term immunosuppression caused by stress also impacts wound healing and may contribute to the progression of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, stress-induced immune impairment has been linked to poorer outcomes in cancer patients, where the body’s reduced surveillance allows tumours to grow unchecked.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS AND STRESS

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Hypertension

Stress causes blood vessels to constrict and the heart rate to increase, leading to chronically elevated blood pressure in individuals experiencing ongoing stress.
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Atherosclerosis

Repeated stress may contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries because stress-induced hypertension and inflammation damage artery walls.
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Myocardial infarction

Extreme stress can precipitate heart attacks, sometimes referred to as “stress cardiomyopathy” or “broken heart syndrome.”
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Coronary heart disease (CHD)

Stress increases the risk of CHD by promoting unhealthy behaviors and direct physiological effects on the heart and blood vessels.

Psychosocial Stress: The Whitehall Study

Evidence Base

Psychosocial stress, such as job strain or social isolation, has been identified as a risk factor for developing heart disease. The Whitehall studies showed British civil servants with high work stress had higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic stress also raises the likelihood of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity—all of which further increase cardiovascular risk.

BIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PATHWAYS

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Biological Pathways Stress affects illness risk biologically, through cortisol and adrenaline, stress changes immune and cardiovascular function.
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Behavioral Pathways Stress often leads to lifestyle changes that harm health: Increased smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse. Poor diet choices and decreased physical activity. Sleep disturbances. Neglect of regular medical checkups and treatments.

PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY

Psychology ↔ Nervous System ↔ Immune System
This interdisciplinary field studies how psychological factors such as stress interact with the nervous and immune systems. It highlights the importance of understanding stress as a key determinant of health and disease.

EXAMPLES OF STRESS-RELATED ILLNESSES (Summary)

These behaviors add insult to the physiological stress effects, creating a vicious cycle that worsens health outcomes.

1

Infectious Diseases

Occurring more frequently or lasting longer in stressed individuals.
2

Autoimmune & Cancer

Increased rates of autoimmune disorders and cancer progression.
3

Cardiovascular Problems

Elevated incidence of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Stress and Health Deck
Term
What is stress?

Define stress.

Answer
Definition

Stress is both a psychological experience and a physiological response impacting health.

Term
Chronic stress & immune system

How does chronic stress affect the immune system?

Answer
Effect

It causes immunosuppression by releasing cortisol, which weakens immune function.

Term
Hormone responsible for immunosuppression

What hormone is primarily responsible for immunosuppression during stress?

Answer
Hormone

Cortisol.

Term
Cortisol's effect on cytokines

How does cortisol affect cytokines?

Answer
Effect

Cortisol inhibits cytokine production, reducing immune cell activation.

Term
Vulnerability to infections

Why are people under chronic stress more prone to infections?

Answer
Reason

Because stress suppresses immune responses, making it harder to fight pathogens.

Term
Stress contribution to cardiovascular disease

How does stress contribute to cardiovascular disease?

Answer
Mechanisms

By causing hypertension, atherosclerosis, and increasing heart disease risk through hormone effects and behaviors.

Term
Stress cardiomyopathy

What is "stress cardiomyopathy"?

Answer
Definition

A heart condition triggered by extreme stress, sometimes called “broken heart syndrome.”

Term
Behavioral changes worsening health

What behavioral changes caused by stress worsen health?

Answer
Behaviors

Increased smoking, poor diet, less exercise, and sleep disturbances.

Term
Psychoneuroimmunology

What is psychoneuroimmunology?

Answer
Definition

The study of interactions between psychological stress, nervous system, and immune function.

Term
Illnesses aggravated by stress

Name two illnesses aggravated by stress-related immunosuppression.

Answer
Examples

Autoimmune diseases and cancer progression.

Term
Stress effects on blood vessels

How does stress affect blood vessels?

Answer
Effects

It causes constriction and damage, contributing to hypertension and plaque buildup.

Term
Sympathetic nervous system role

What role does sympathetic nervous system activation play in stress?

Answer
Role

It increases heart rate and blood pressure, stressing the cardiovascular system.

Term
Key study linking work stress & heart disease

Name a key study linking work stress and heart disease.

Answer
Study

The Whitehall studies of British civil servants.

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🌸 Stress and Health Quiz

1. Which hormone primarily mediates the immunosuppressive effects of stress?

Cortisol suppresses immune function by inhibiting cytokine production and lymphocyte activity.

2. How does chronic stress contribute to hypertension?

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, constricting blood vessels and raising heart rate and blood pressure.

3. What is psychoneuroimmunology?

It focuses on how stress influences immune and nervous system functions.

4. Which of the following is NOT a common behavioral effect of stress that worsens health?

Stress usually decreases physical activity, which worsens health outcomes.

5. The Whitehall studies demonstrated a link between:

These studies showed high work stress increased heart disease rates among British civil servants.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Stress
  • AQA