Nobody likes to feel stressed out. It just tends to make life unpleasant when you are experiencing stress for one reason or another. However, stress is actually more than just an inconvenience, it can actually cause more serious health problems if stress persists. Here are some of the health issues that can arise from too much stress in your life:

Heart disease

Medical researchers believe there is a correlation between the amount of stress people experience and the likelihood of developing serious heart disease. It is possible that because stress causes faster blood flow and heart rate, cholesterol and triglycerides are released which causes heart disease. Also, stress is linked to obesity and smoking which can indirectly increase risk of experiencing issues related to the heart.

Obesity

Stress can cause more fat to be stored in your abdominal area due to the stress-induced release of the cortisol hormone. Fat stored in your midsection comes with more health risks compared to fat in your legs and hips and other parts of your body.

Asthma

Those with asthma should be particularly careful about experiencing too much stress. Studies have suggested that stress can actually exacerbate asthma. Interestingly, there is evidence that parents that suffer from chronic stress can risk their children having asthma when they are older.

Diabetes

There is believed to be a correlation between stress and higher risk of developing diabetes. Stress tends to trigger unhealthy behavior such as drinking alcohol and bad diet choices which can speed up the onset of diabetes. Those with Type 2 diabetes should be particularly careful since stress can raise your glucose levels.

Depression and anxiety

One of the most common causes of depression and anxiety is stress. Those with high stress jobs will have an 80% more chance of developing depression and anxiety, according to recent surveys. Many of these stressful jobs are demanding but lack enough reward.

Severe headaches

It is commonly known that stress can bring about headaches. In many cases the headaches are more than just mild ones but can become migraines which can be debilitating at times.

Gastrointestinal issues

Many problems people experience with their gastrointestinal system can be traced back to experiencing stress. Some of these issues include chronic heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Stress can also exacerbate ulcers.

Faster aging

Stress can actually make you become older faster. Studies have shown that mothers who are consistently under high stress will display chromosomal effects suggesting aging has notably increased. Researchers believe that stress had caused the women to age the equivalent of 9 to 17 years more.

Alzheimer’s disease

One scientific study on animals has suggested that stress may exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease by causing the growth of brain lesions. This prompted some researchers to hypothesize that stress reduction can help decelerate the disease’s progression.

Dying early

Researchers have looked at caregivers for the elderly to determine what effects stress may have on longevity of the caregivers. Since these caregivers are usually under more stress than most other people, they provide a useful population to take a look at. It turns out that these caregivers have a 63% higher chance of dying than others of the same age, suggesting that stress can be a cause of premature death.

Reduce stress, live longer and better

Not only does reducing stress promote longevity by decreasing chances of serious disease and health problems, it can also provide you with a better quality of life. This will allow you to grow old and enjoy your retirement years. However, along with good physical health, it is important to take care of your financial health as well. Developing an effective financial plan focused on preparing for retirement is a must.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.