Stress linked to later heart disease

Stress is linked to later heart disease. Today's traumas may provide poor cardiovascular health months or even years from now. Health assessments performed online, post 911 attacks, revealed that anxiety and related symptoms are likely to increase the future development of hypertension and heart disease threefold.

Previous studies have supported the link between stress and the development of disease. The role of inflammation is well defined as it related to diabetes, heart disease, the formation of atherosclerosis, and perhaps depression. Stress releases hormones in the body that promote the release of cortisol. Prolonged exposure to cortisol disrupts immunity, leads to sleep loss, heart disease, and increases the risk of obesity. It also leads to digestive problems.

Studies find that Americans are more dissatisfied than ever with their levels of happiness, in spite of increases in income.

The message is clear that we must find ways to eliminate stress if we are to maintain balance, harmony and good health.

It is important to find your own means to contentment. Education regarding stress reduction includes increased exercise, meditation, spending more time with family, eliminating pain and finding shorter work commutes - perhaps any or all of these combinations might benefit you as an individual. Reconnecting with nature on a daily basis is a great way to relieve stress. You can learn to rethink your priorities by observing nature's intelligence. We all feel better when we are reminded that we are still a part of life's webstrings - a feeling that has been lost by many.

For now, it is important to know that the link between stress and disease is strong. I urge you to do your utmost to identify and eliminate as much stress as possible. Take action early and it will benefit from good or better health and longevity.