High levels of the stress hormone cortisol strongly predict cardiovascular death among people with and without pre-existing heart disease, according to a new study. Cortisol is produced by the body in stressful situations to help the body regain a normal or healthy state. But researchers found that chronically high levels of cortisol in the body were strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, coronary inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. In one study of almost 900 people, the third of the study participants with the highest cortisol levels had a five-fold increased risk of dying of heart disease.

What to do? First, understand that stress can be managed but not reduced. The goal, then, is to handle stress more effectively. Next, be pro-active with stress management techniques such as regular exercise, turning off the TV news, practicing deep breathing, and volunteering.
1 | Left by Anon | Nov. 27, 2010 at 4:08pm