Stress and Disease (Page 2 of 4)

Stress and Hypertension

Not everyone experiences a significant rise in blood pressure as a result of stress. Most will experience a rise in heart rate, but only about 30% will have a significant increase in blood pressure. These people are called "vascular reactors" and they undergo a major spike in blood pressure measurements. There is evidence that people who are under constant stress are more likely to develop sustained hypertension than are those in a tranquil environment. Anyone with hypertension should practice techniques to reduce their level of stress and lower their blood pressure.

Type A Behavior

In the 1960s and 1970s doctors linked Type A Behavior ("a sense of urgency, aggressiveness and excessive achievement striving, competitiveness, impatience, cynicism") to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and other health disorders. While predominantly a male trait, Type A Behavior is also found in women. It is important to take steps to minimize the destructive characteristics of Type A Behavior while preserving the positive traits (dedication, enthusiasm, and persistence).

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