Stress: When stress becomes chronic


Acute stress reactions can occur:

1. the psyche
Increased attention
Anxiety/anger
The short-term improvement of learning ability and memory

2. the immune system
Strengthening the defense of the immune system
Increased flow of blood

3. the lungs
Increased respiratory function (more oxygen in the blood)

4. Heart
High heart rate, increased blood pressure
Dilation of blood vessels for muscles
Narrowing of the blood vessels of the body surface

5. the digestive tract
Diminished activity in order to save energy

6. the muscles
Greater muscle tension
Better reflexes

7. the metabolism
(in the liver, kidney and fat deposits)
Energy is made available to the muscles and brain

Persistent load-possible damage

1. the psyche
Sleep Disorders
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Memory problems/failures
Difficulty Concentrating
Irritation

2. the immune system
Overreaction in the form of allergies and neurodermatitis
Auto-immune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis)
Weakening
Frequent infections
Probably also impaired function in the NK-cells that fight cancer cells

3. the lungs
Asthma

4. Heart-/karsystemet
High blood pressure
Cardiac Infarction
Brain Hemorrhage
Atherosclerosis

5. the digestive tract
Inflammation of the stomach lining
Belly-/tarmproblemer

6. the muscles
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia

7. the metabolism
Elevated blood glucose level
High blood cholesterol levels
Diabetes

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