Stress Affects Blood Vessels

Emotional stress triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands and noradrenaline from the nerve endings of the heart and blood vessels. These hormones make the heart beat faster (increase heart rate & contractility) and adversely affect blood vessels. Under stress, an older person’s blood pressure rises more rapidly and stays higher longer than a younger person’s because the older person’s blood vessels are stiffer and have lost much of their elasticity.

Researchers have found that stress reduction techniques, such as taking a walk, practicing yoga or deep breathing are important to cardiovascular health.

Source:
Aging Hearts & Arteries
National institutes of Health
US Dept of Health & Human Services. April 2005