Two of five adults have hypertension. Stress releases fatty acids and glucose into the blood stream. These can be converted into natural fat and cholesterol and deposited on arterial walls. Such deposits create resistance to blood flow through the arteries, and contribute to high blood pressure. Long term stress increases blood pressure and cholesterol and, therefore, may contribute to chronic hypertension or heart disease.
Stress can release hormones which can make people susceptible to blood clotting.
Smoking cigarettes raises a person's heart rate an average of 14 beats per minute. When combined with stress the heart rate is increased 38 beats per minute. The effects of caffeine are similar to cigarettes. Along with cardiovascular problems, stress can also cause muscular, respiratory, and skin problems, sexual problems, gastrointestinal and eating disorders, and chemical dependency, to name a few. June 6, 1983.