what can extreme stress cause
1 Stress causes the body to release inflammatory markers into the bloodstream. These markers may worsen heart disease or increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.  Studies have reported an association between stress and high blood pressure, which may be more pronounced in men than in women.
1 This restricts blood flow to the heart. 2  The emotional effects of stress alter the heart rhythms, which could pose a risk for serious arrhythmias (rhythm abnormalities) in people with existing heart rhythm disturbances.  Stress causes the blood to become stickier (possibly in preparation for potential injury).