Question

Prolonged stress can result in cardiovascular disease because?

1) stress-related hormones are toxic for cardiac cells.
2) stress can increase blood pressure which leads to heart attacks and strokes.
3) prolonged activation of the parasympathetic nervous system damages heart tissue.
4) stress increases consumption of fatty foods that clog the arteries.
5) activation of the sympathetic nervous system produces more wear and tear on the cardiovascular system.

Answer 1

Prolonged stress leads to cardiovascular disease largely due to an increase in blood pressure and sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system, adding wear and tear to the cardiovascular system and contributing to the development of diseases like hypertension and heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prolonged stress can result in cardiovascular disease primarily because of options 2) stress can increase blood pressure which leads to heart attacks and strokes, and 5) activation of the sympathetic nervous system produces more wear and tear on the cardiovascular system.

The physiological basis of stress involves a complex network of physiological responses that are highly beneficial in acute, short-term situations but potentially damaging when these responses are persistently activated over the long term. The stress hormone cortisol, for instance, can weaken immune system functioning, and the cardio strain from high blood pressure can set the stage for heart attack or heart failure.