What Is Chronic Stress?
4. What Are the Physical Effects of Chronic Stress?
A common side effect of chronic stress is an overtaxed immune system. You may notice that you get colds more frequently. You may develop a rash or other skin irritations as your body reacts to the hormone imbalance caused by unusual cortisol levels.
Ongoing stress can also affect your body’s basic functions. The inability to relax between stressors can lead to high blood pressure and increase your chance of heart disease. It can also affect respiratory function, cause gastrointestinal problems or lead to chronic sexual dysfunction.
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