When teaching about the stress-age syndrome, what information should the nurse include?

Chronic stress can cause many health problems, including physical and psychological conditions. The CDC estimates that stress is the reason 75% of people visit the doctor. Some of these health issues include: Cardiovascular disease: Chronic stress can cause hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Digestive problems: Stress can cause nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. Mental health conditions: Chronic stress can lead to mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Other conditions: Chronic stress can also cause obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type II diabetes, arthritis, muscle tension, and weight... Show more

Chronic stress can cause many health problems, including physical and psychological conditions. The CDC estimates that stress is the reason 75% of people visit the doctor. Some of these health issues include:
Cardiovascular disease: Chronic stress can cause hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Digestive problems: Stress can cause nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Mental health conditions: Chronic stress can lead to mood disorders and anxiety disorders.
Other conditions: Chronic stress can also cause obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type II diabetes, arthritis, muscle tension, and weight gain or loss. 

The body releases cortisol and other stress hormones when the stress response is activated. Usually, cortisol levels decrease after a stressful event is over, but chronic stressors can keep cortisol levels high. 

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