Effects of Stress on Physical Health - Cardiovascular Disorder

Cardiovascular disorders are diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In psychology, they are studied as psychosomatic disorders because they are strongly influenced by emotional stress and psychological factors.

• The cardiovascular disorders described here are considered an outcome of emotional stress.
• Persistent stress, worry, tension or emotional conflict can contribute to the onset, maintenance and worsening of these heart and blood vessel problems, and may also lead to psychological dysfunctions such as anxiety or depression.

The source mentions four important cardiovascular conditions that have a psychosomatic basis:

1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

• It is one of the most important and frequently occurring heart diseases.
• It involves disease of the heart and its blood vessels and may lead to serious loss of life and psychological dysfunctions (for example, fear of death, anxiety).
• The source identifies coronary heart disease as a major cardiovascular disorder linked with emotional stress.

2. Essential Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Also called high blood pressure.
• It is described as one of the two most common and important heart diseases.
• When it becomes chronic, it can endanger life and is often associated with psychological disturbance and stress.

3. Tachycardia (Rapid Heartbeat)

• Tachycardia is defined as a rapid heartbeat.
• The source treats it as a major cardiovascular disorder having a psychosomatic basis, that is, related to emotional and psychological factors.
• A sudden, rapid heartbeat is often experienced during intense emotional stress, fear, or anxiety.

4. Angina Syndrome (pain in region of the heart)

• Angina syndrome refers to chest pain.
• It is considered a major cardiovascular disorder with a psychosomatic basis.
• The pain or discomfort is often closely linked with stressful emotional situations.

• These cardiovascular disorders may lead not only to physical illness and loss of life, but also to several psychological dysfunctions such as fear, anxiety, low mood, and difficulty in normal daily functioning.
• Thus, they are important to study in Class 12 Psychology under the area of psychosomatic or stress‑related disorders.

• Cardiovascular disorders affect the heart and blood vessels and are influenced by emotional stress.
• Emotional stress, like worry or conflict, can cause or worsen these disorders.
• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a common stress-linked heart condition that may cause anxiety.
• Hypertension, tachycardia, and angina are major stress-related heart problems.
• These disorders impact both physical health and mental well-being, causing issues like fear or depression.