Stress also seems to be linked to high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, although,
for the reasons I mentioned earlier, it is difficult to reliably establish this connection.
And, since high blood pressure is a recognised risk factor for heart disease,
if a link between stress and high blood pressure can be established
we will have further evidence of the role stress plays in these diseases.
Even if a link cannot be established, either due to lack of evidence or because such a link does not in fact exist
<![CDATA[– something I find unlikely – there are still good reasons for working to help people lower their stress levels.]]>
With or without the presence of other illnesses,
stress has a significant impact on quality of life and so is certainly an area worth addressing.
In summary, while it is difficult to prove the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease,
there is no shortage of circumstantial evidence.
And not only does stress seem to increase the possibility of cardiovascular disease,
it also has a negative effect on quality of life.