In addition to the ways that fear leads directly to health issues, it can also contribute to a number of health conditions indirectly. Studies have shown that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. They are also more likely to have high blood pressure and obesity. In fact, according to one study, one in four people with an anxiety disorder reports having at least one major physical health problem. It is not surprising, then, that people with anxiety disorders are twice as likely as the general population to experience stress-related illnesses such as colds and flu.