For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up, you may overeat, you may exercise less and you maybe more likely to smoke. If stress is an independent risk factor, it could because chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Studies also link stress to changes in the way blood clots. This increases the risk of heart attack. Your heart pounds, your blood pressure rises, your muscles tense, the pupils of your eyes open wide.
People respond in different ways to events and situations.
One person may find an event joyful and gratifying, but another person may find the same event miserable and frustrating. Some people do their best when their lives are filled with activity, while others may prefer a slower pace. Sometimes, people may handle distress in ways that make bad situations worse by reacting with feelings of anger, guilt, fear, hostility, anxiety and moodiness. Stress can be caused by a physical or emotional change, or a change in your environment that requires you to adjust or respond. Stressors can be minor hassles, major lifestyle changes or a combination of both.