High stress levels associated with cardiovascular risks

High stress levels may hurt your physical health in the coming years, according to a new study published in the journal Circulation. Researchers studied over 400 adults with normal blood pressure, measured their levels of stress hormones and followed them for cardiovascular events, such as high blood pressure, heart pain, heart attacks and bypass surgery, over the next 13 years. They found that chronically high levels of cortisol, a hormone released by the body in reaction to acute stress, was associated with a 90 percent higher risk of having a cardiovascular event. They also found that elevated levels of four stress hormones, including cortisol, as you might have with stress from work or relationships, can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure 21 to 31 percent. These negative health effects from stress were most pronounced in adults under the age of 60.