How Stress-Related Disorders Can Contribute to Cardiovascular Disease
Stress-related disorders are mental-health disorders that are caused by an atypical response to short and long-term anxiety due to stress. They are a group of psychiatric disorders that are preceded by a stressful life event, such as car accidents, conflict, or the death of a loved one. These disorders can include obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Depression and anxiety are two common symptoms that often present themselves to those who are diagnosed with stress-related disorders. Other common symptoms include feeling aggressive, restless, discontent, angry, numb, or disconnected from others. Although it is widely known that stress-related disorders can cause a variety of mental states, new research shows that these disorders are directly linked to physical diseases as well.
A study conducted by Huan Song and her team assessed the association between stress-related disorders and the onset of cardiovascular disease. The rate of onset of cardiovascular disease among patients with stress-related disorders and their unaffected siblings was measured. Sibling pairs in which one sibling had a stress-related disorder and the other sibling did not were chosen and studied over a period of 27 years. The rate of incidence for a disease is defined as the number of new cases that occurs in a population at a given time. Results from the study showed an incidence rate for cardiovascular disease that was twice as high for the patients with stress-related disorders than that of their unaffected siblings. In addition, the largest at-risk group for cardiovascular disease were patients who had been previously diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, as compared to the other stress-related disorders.
A study conducted by Huan Song and her team assessed the association between stress-related disorders and the onset of cardiovascular disease. The rate of onset of cardiovascular disease among patients with stress-related disorders and their unaffected siblings was measured. Sibling pairs in which one sibling had a stress-related disorder and the other sibling did not were chosen and studied over a period of 27 years. The rate of incidence for a disease is defined as the number of new cases that occurs in a population at a given time. Results from the study showed an incidence rate for cardiovascular disease that was twice as high for the patients with stress-related disorders than that of their unaffected siblings. In addition, the largest at-risk group for cardiovascular disease were patients who had been previously diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, as compared to the other stress-related disorders.
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Although the research shows a higher rate of cardiovascular disease for those previously diagnosed with stress-related disorders, steps can be taken in order to decrease that risk. Making small but significant lifestyle changes can help minimize stress. For instance, choosing to eat a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; consuming specific types of food can affect other controllable risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Reducing intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can decrease the risk of fat building up in arteries and causing a stroke. In addition, being physically active every day can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and help manage one’s weight. Moreover, limiting alcohol consumption can also help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Drinking alcohol in excess can raise blood pressure and increase the risk for cardiomyopathy, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. Even with previously diagnosed stress-related disorders, making small adjustments for a healthier lifestyle can help minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future and improve overall well-being.
In addition, certain social factors can decrease the risk of stress-related disorders. Surveys show that having strong emotional support can greatly decrease stress levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and cancer. This is because stress can alter the pathway and function of multiple hormone-releasing glands. It is important to have a strong peer support network for both the mental and physical benefits. All in all, it is important to recognize one’s control over physical and social factors that can affect overall stress levels. Although stress-related disorders may be unpreventable, bringing small but positive changes to one’s lifestyle will help reduce stress and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, certain social factors can decrease the risk of stress-related disorders. Surveys show that having strong emotional support can greatly decrease stress levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and cancer. This is because stress can alter the pathway and function of multiple hormone-releasing glands. It is important to have a strong peer support network for both the mental and physical benefits. All in all, it is important to recognize one’s control over physical and social factors that can affect overall stress levels. Although stress-related disorders may be unpreventable, bringing small but positive changes to one’s lifestyle will help reduce stress and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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