long-lasting stress for HBP

Dear Alexey,

When stress occurs, hormones are released from your adrenal gland, among them cortisols and adrenalin. These hormones do have an effect on your cardiovascular system, and over time, may increase blood pressure. However, if the stress response occurs only intermittently, your body usually normalizes after the stress is over.

The problem is that high blood pressure (or hypertension) does not occur over night; but years later, probably in middle age. Therefore, it is difficult to make any rigid relationships.

For instance, perhaps the person who is undergoing a lot of stress, also drinks too much alcohol, or smokes too many cigarettes. The alcohol and cigarettes would also contribute to high blood pressure.

Additionally, the definition of stress is not always clear. For some people, the daily stresses of the job are enjoyable. People thrive on this stress. Would this also cause illness or high blood pressure?

Thank you so much for writing, and hopefully my response hasn't 'muddied the waters' even further for you.

Roxanne RN