Cardiovascular problems are the leading killer of all Americans, and this is likely to remain the case. In fact, frequent episodes of stress can ultimately depress the immune system, increasing your vulnerability to a wide variety of health problems. As you may suspect, low reactors show little physical change in response to stress. Those who meditate daily, for example, often gain and perfect an ability to remain calm and manage stress effectively even under the most trying circumstances. Civilization Syndrome Numerous studies show that high reactors are significantly affected by stress, as evidenced by increased heart rate and blood pressure, which are stimulated by the release of catecholamines.
Catecholamines are neurochemicals produced by the body, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Found to increase dramatically during episodes of stress, these chemicals can suppress aspects of immune function, including natural killer cell activity. For example, peptic ulcers occur twice as often in air traffic controllers as in airline copilots and occur more frequently in high-stress control centers, such as the Chicago O'Hare International, John F. Kennedy International, and Los Angeles International airports. In addition, research shows that stress reduces memory and concentration.