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Stress also seems to be linked to high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, although,

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for the reasons I mentioned earlier, it is difficult to reliably establish this connection.

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And, since high blood pressure is a recognised risk factor for heart disease,

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if a link between stress and high blood pressure can be established

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we will have further evidence of the role stress plays in these diseases.

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Even if a link cannot be established, either due to lack of evidence or because such a link does not in fact exist

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<![CDATA[– something I find unlikely – there are still good reasons for working to help people lower their stress levels.]]>

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With or without the presence of other illnesses,

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stress has a significant impact on quality of life and so is certainly an area worth addressing.

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In summary, while it is difficult to prove the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease,

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there is no shortage of circumstantial evidence.

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And not only does stress seem to increase the possibility of cardiovascular disease,

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it also has a negative effect on quality of life.