Page 151 - Allah's Miracles in the Qur'an

Harun Yahya

However, one of the most detrimental effects of stress is heart
attacks. Research shows that aggressive, nervous, anxious, impatient,
competitive, hostile and irritable people have a much higher incidence
of heart attacks than people less inclined to these traits. 86
The reason for this is that extreme stimulation of the sympathetic
nervous system, initiated by the hypothalamus, also causes excessive
secretion of insulin, and therefore the accumulation of insulin in the

blood. This is a matter of vital importance. Because, none of the condi-
tions that lead to coronary heart disease play such a definitive and
harmful role as excess insulin in the blood. 87
Scientists have recognized that the higher the level of stress, the
more the positive effects of the red cells in the blood are weakened.
According to an experiment developed by Linda Naylor, head of the
Oxford University's technology transfer company, the negative effect of
stress levels on the immune system can now be measured.
There is a close relationship between stress and the immune sys-
tem. Physiological stress has an important effect on the immune system
and results in its deterioration. When under stress, the brain increases
production of the cortisol hormone in the body, which weakens the
immune system. To put it another way, there is a direct relationship
between the brain, the immune system and hormones. Experts in the
field state:

Studies on psychological or physical stress have revealed that at times of
intense stress there is a fall in immunity response linked to the hormonal
balance. It is known that the emergence and strength of many illnesses
including cancer is linked to stress. 88
In short, stress harms a human being's natural equilibrium.
Constant exposure to this abnormal condition impairs the body's
health, and leads to a wide variety of disorders. Experts classify the
negative effects of stress on the human body under the following basic
categories:
Anxiety and Panic: A feeling that events are spiralling out of con-

trol

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