Stress is the physical and emotional response that the body develops to pressure from the external world, according to the National Health Institute. Cholesterol is an essential component of the blood stream that repairs body cells. If extra cholesterol is not efficiently removed from the blood stream, however, it can lead to serious conditions, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. This buildup of cholesterol can be linked, in part, to stress, some researchers say.
Stress and Cholesterol
During stress, primitive instincts prepare the body for flight or fight. As a protection mechanism, the body triggers the generation of two hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, from the hypothalamus, a gland near the brain. These hormones increase blood flow to the brain and act as stimuli to release more energy.
These two hormones produced by the hypothalamus also trigger the production of cholesterol. Cortisol produces more sugar in order to provide the body with instant energy to tackle the stressful situation. The high sugar levels, however, often are not used up by the body and eventually are converted to fatty acids and cholesterol. Stress also can push people toward unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles: smoking, drinking and eating a diet that contributes to high cholesterol.
Complications
The effects of high cholesterol in the blood stream are seen very late, often years after the cholesterol levels have started rising. With the increase low density lipoprotein (LDL, also known as bad cholesterol), and the decrease of high density lipoprotein (HDL, also known as good cholesterol), cholesterol deposits start accumulating in the walls of arteries and other organs. This can lead to diseases, such as angina, heart attack, stroke, coronary disease and peripheral artery disease. Many of these diseases are life threatening if left untreated.
Diagnosis
Stress is a mental state that produces physiological changes, which are often not noticeable at an early stage. As a result, the diagnosis of stress can be difficult. However, certain signals can help identify rising stress levels, including frequent anger, depression, tiredness, lack of concentration and sudden changes in mood.
High cholesterol can be detected by a simple blood test, the lipid profile. This test should be done at regular intervals, usually annually, to ensure that any increase of cholesterol is detected early. If the cholesterol levels are high for a prolonged period, a doctor might order specific tests to diagnose other disorders caused by this condition.
Stress Management
The National Health Institute recommends the following methods of stress management: listening to music, practicing yoga, meditation, eating a low fat diet with a good fiber content. Visit a psychotherapist if the stress levels are beyond your control. A psychotherapist can diagnose possible stress triggers and prescribe medications to aid in managing stress.
Prevention
Stress and high cholesterol often can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking; exercise regularly to combat a sedentary life and obesity; reduce body fat by eating fibrous food with low oil content, such as leafy vegetables; eat a high fruit diet; and practice yoga or meditation to relax and relive your mind of stress.
