Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to thickening of the carotid arteries, blood vessels that deliver blood to the front half of the brain. Blockage and injury in these arteries are the primary cause of strokes. One survey revealed that men who were most bothered by stressful situations were significantly more likely to suffer strokes than those who were more carefree. Even if stress doesn't kill you, it can still make you miserable. Over time, it can disrupt your digestive system, irritating the large intestine and causing alternating diarrhea, constipation, cramping and bloating.
Stress plays a role in worsening a number of skin conditions, including acne, hives and psoriasis.
Long-term exposure to stress hormones weakens muscles and bones, increasing the risk for osteoporosis and debilitating bone fractures. Stress can have varying effects on body weight. While some people suffer a loss of appetite and lose weight, others develop powerful cravings for salt, fat and sugar. People who overeat in response to stress tend to deposit fat in their midsections, an important predictor of heart disease and diabetes. Chronic stress has been linked to the development of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body is unable to use insulin effectively to regulate blood sugar.