Stress: When stress becomes chronic

Acute stress reactions can occur:

1. the psyche
Increased attention
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
Anxiety Disorders
Memory problems/failures
Difficulty Concentrating

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

3. the lungs

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

5. the digestive tract
Inflammation of the stomach lining

6. the muscles
Chronic pain

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

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