The Effects of Stress on the Human Heart and Mind

Doctors have determined that stress can do some "major damage" to a person's heart and the mind. According to Nevid (2005), the physical damage will not show for many years and can kill someone suddenly. Many psychologists have studied "the effects of stress," in order to help patients overcome it. Currently, they have found "link between stress and depression" and "heart disease." This link concerns most physicians and psychologist, because people die every year from stress related causes. There a several brands of "Anti-depression medicines" on the market, but "reducing the stress level" actually "save someone's life." Therefore, it is important to learn what causes stress and how to relieve it daily.

What is Stress?

What causes it?

Psychologists define stress as a "physical or emotional tension" or "pressure" (Webster, 2002). There is no one cause of stress, instead studies show that "work", "home", and "school" (Nevid, 2005) can add pressure on a person. Multiple factors include "biological", "sociocultural", "environment", "personality", "behavior", and "normal everyday stressors". These factors may determine if an "illness will occur" in someone, since the person has "several risk factors". However, stress can be the "body's worst enemy", since there are many "stress related conditions". Doctors have learned that "relaxation", "exercise", and "behavior modification". Only "education and awareness" can save someone's life and change the way they react to stressful situations.

Negative affects

The person "muscles will tighten", which is "painful" and "distracting" when trying to relax or calm down. A person can become overwhelmed and explode with anger or rage, especially if they are facing a lot of stress. According to Azar (1998), stress is the most common reason for coronary heart disease and attacks in the world. Some people "drink or use drugs" to ease the stress, but they damage their body more and it is your reversible. These "bad behaviors", like "smoking and alcohol consumption" can lead to many "chronic illnesses". Additionally, it can "lead to certain death" in many individuals, who tend to "stress more" than others do. Therefore, it is important to learn new ways of "relaxing and modifying your behavior". However, "seeing a doctor" and "exercising" is also very important, since they can catch the disease early.

Ways to Relax

According to Nevid (2005), identifies exercise and meditation, as a way to allow your body to relax. In addition, he states that some doctors believe that "prayer" can also help a person, who is stressing out or angry. Many physicians have begun prescribing "anti-depressants" to patients, who are "showing signs of anxiety or depression". This has become common practice and has helped many patients. However, many will "not benefit from the treatment" or may "become suicidal". Hence, it is important for "a psychologist" to "monitor the patient's condition". They are also teaching their patients ways to relax, so patient's can benefit from their "treatment".

The Human Mind

Emotional

The "stress on a human mind" (Nevid, 2005) can cause a person to think with their emotions and behavior irrationally. This way of thinking can cause the person to "think illogically", about a life changing situation. Many times "crying", "anxiety", and "self esteem issues" come from "the emotional side of the brain" (Nevid, 2005). "Chronic depression" can make a person feel "unworthy of love", "devotion", or praise" for many reasons. It is important for a person to "get help", before making any "life changing decisions". They should "see a doctor immediately", in order to "lessen to the damage on the mind" that can occur over time. The patient can have "mental" or "nervous breakdown", which is caused by "stressors" and "their environment". Some people will experience "suicidal thoughts", if they do not get medical attention immediately.

Physical

Most often "migraine headaches" can occur, when a person is feeling "exhausted or overwhelmed with stress". These "problems" can disappear, just by relaxing and learning the best ways to reduce the overall stress in their life. Some people experience "anxiety", "fear", and "panic" when the stress becomes too overwhelming. Many doctors have been prescribing medicine to ease "the symptoms" that depression may cause. In addition, the patient should start seeing a psychologist, in order to overcome their anxiety or fears. However, "every year", many patients are treated for "severe symptoms of stress and depression".

Logical

Generally, the mind is working hard to rationalize, exactly how to solve the problem at hand. However, the person believes that their perception is correct, even though they are their brain is "thinking irrationally". It is important to understand the symptoms of irrational thinking, so they can prevent this way of thinking. Sometimes, emotions like fear and anxiety is linked to "someone's perception of their surroundings". Additionally, some people may be overwhelmed and exhausted, by the stress in their environment. Therefore, many people are urged, to make the appropriate lifestyle changes that can save their life.

The Human Heart

Physical Effects

A healthy heart is important, in order to maintain a person's quality of life. However, coronary disease is the number one risk factor of stress. Chronic anger causes major damage to the heart, once anxiety or fear overwhelms a person's mind. This damage can cause the person to need medicine, in order to live any longer. Many Doctor's agree that exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is important to maintaining a good heart. Thus, the heart is a vital organ and without it, the human body is just a shell. However, a person must do all they can to avoid stress at work, school, or home. Sometimes, they should see a doctor or psychologist, in order to learn how to avoid damage caused by stress. This can help them add many years to their life and allow them to treat any ongoing problems. Maybe future research can find new medicines and treatments for persons that at risk.

High Blood Pressure

According to Nevid (2005), high blood pressure is mainly caused by stress and other bad behaviors. Furthermore, it can cause damage to the heart and cause other serious health conditions. It is important to keep you blood pressure under control, by seeing the doctor and monitoring it yourself every day. According to Azar (1998), physical fitness and avoiding stress can save your life. Additionally, she points out that "mental stress" and "other stressor" can cause "sudden death". Many doctors are "researching new medicines" and "alternate ways" of lowering a person's blood pressure. Recently, many new medicines have emerged on the market and have shown promising results. Some doctors believe that "exercise" is the best medicine, but it can also "add stress" on the heart. Therefore, it is important to "talk to your regular doctor", before starting any "daily exercise regimen".

Coronary Disease

This disease is called a silent killer, due to its ability to be undetected until it is too late. Some doctors believe that this disease is caused by "stress", "genetics", "poor diet". Whenever a person is stressed, the heart will pump harder and the blood pressure increases. Conditions like angina and high blood pressure has been linked to increased amount of stressors. Irreversible damage occurs to the heart, when the disease is left untreated by the patient or physician. Currently, there are several medicines that he had been placed on the market to treat coronary disease.

Conclusion

All research points to stress, as being a factor of in many heart and mind related illnesses. Many people can reduce their chances of getting sick or dying, by exercising and following a healthy diet. It is also important to avoid stress and change their immediate environment, because these are often damaging. In addition, each person must look out for their own health, since it is their body and mind. Furthermore, everyone should look for ways to stay healthy and relax. Knowing this can save someone's life, since stress can cause major heart problems or a mental breakdown. Additionally, lifestyle changes may help a patient thrive longer than any pill can. Therefore, making changes will help many people escape the clutches of this silent disease.

References:

Azar, B. (1998) Probing the factors behind heart attacks
Retrieved from the World Wide Web on January 28, 2008
http://www.apa.org/monitor/may98/stress.html

Nevid, J.S. & Rathus, S.A. (2005) Psychology and the challenges of life: Adjustment in the new millennium (9th ED)
Hoboken, NJ
John Wiley & Sons