Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 5-1-20

Health
Rapid Heartbeat
When something scares you suddenly, like a loud noise, it trig- gers stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol) that make your heart beat faster and harder. You may feel like it's beating un- evenly (heart palpitations). Over time, if it happens too much, you're more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, hardened arteries, high choles- terol, stroke, and heart attack.
Fast Breathing
Along with a pounding heart, you might start breathing more quickly when you're scared or anxious, or feel like you can't get enough air. Some people breathe so fast that they get light-headed or pass out. It can be serious if you already have breathing problems because of asthma, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other condi- tions.
Upset Stomach
Stress and anxiety can make you feel like you have knots in your belly. Some people feel nau- seated and even vomit. If this hap- pens all the time, you can develop digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sores in your stomach lining called ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have se- rious belly pain or vomit when you're anxious.
Tense Muscles
Your body gets ready to pro- tect itself when you're anxious. If you're really startled, your mus- cles tense all at once. They usually relax once the stress passes, but if it happens a lot or if you feel wor- ried all the time, your tight shoul- der and neck muscles can lead to headaches, including migraines. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga may help.
High Blood Sugar
Stress hormones can give you a burst of this instant fuel when you're scared or anxious. It's helpful if you need to run from danger or fight it. Normally your body gathers up and stores the extra sugar. But high or constant anxiety could keep your blood sugar too high for too long. This can lead to diabetes as well as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
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