Stress can be explained in terms of continuous fight or flight response, the primitive response of an organism to danger. In acute stress, catecholamines trigger a cascade of responses which increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose and muscle tension providing energy and means for fight or flight. After the event, everything normalizes as the threat of danger is gone. Chronic stress is a continuous response of sympathetic stimulation. The body responds as if the danger has not gone.
Chronic stress is a continuous response of sympathetic stimulation.
The body responds as if the danger has not gone, resulting in increased blood pressure which becomes permanent, prolonged muscle tension which may cause migraine, increased blood cholesterol due to the action of epinephrine on the fat stores, increased heart rate leading to arrhythmia's, and increased risk of heart rate leading to arrhythmias, and increased risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease. In short, the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for arousal, the parasympathetic nervous system counteracts, and induces relaxation, which helps the body compensate for the high arousal. Most stress management techniques try to create a positive parasympathetic state. Treatment Options 1. This teaches patients to control and self-regulate.