Question

6.3 Conclude on how stress can influence the cardiovascular system

Answer 1

Stress is accompanied with the release of cortisol. Chronically high levels of cortisol predispose the body to increased blood cholestrol and triglycerides levels, impacts the blood pressure and encourages the build up of arteiral deposits. If the stress factors are not alleviated, the impact of cortisol can be significant and blood clots can build up over time making the blood more viscous and sticky and increasing the probability of stroke. Acute and minor stress leads to poor cardiac blood circulation, which causes insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscles.