Anxiety: physical symptoms

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Extract from the article: Anxiety manifests itself through a wide variety of symptoms, both psychological and physical. It is difficult to judge your own psychological state, so i...

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Anxiety manifests itself through a wide variety of symptoms, both psychological and physical. It is difficult to judge your own psychological state, so it is essential to seek medical advice. However, certain physical symptoms should raise alarm bells.

Anxiety manifests itself through a series of signals that occur when we react to a negative, upsetting, or frightening event. Fear triggers the release of certain hormones that send signals through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Blood and fuel (glucose) rush to the arms and legs to prepare to deal with the “threat.”

During this period of tension, the nerves are put under severe strain. Isolation, boredom, and stress tend to generate these types of symptoms. This phenomenon is not without risk to the health of the Togolese people. People affected by chronic stress or anxiety are at greater risk of cardiovascular problems due to their constantly elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and overexposure to cortisol (the stress hormone).

Cardiovascular manifestations

During stressful and negative situations, our bodies react by secreting what are known as stress hormones. In response to this phenomenon, the heart rate and blood pressure increase. During stressful and negative situations, our bodies react by secreting what are known as stress hormones. In response to this phenomenon, our heart rate and blood pressure increase. Our breathing also quickens and becomes shallow.

Heart rhythm disorder

When something suddenly frightens us, such as a loud noise, it triggers stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol) that make the heart beat faster and harder. This can also cause heart palpitations: the heart beats irregularly.

If you are prone to episodes of anxiety, over time you will be more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, hardened arteries, bad cholesterol, stroke, or even a heart attack.

Rapid breathing

Because of the effects of anxiety on the heart, breathing can also be affected. This is why we tend to breathe more quickly when we are afraid or anxious. It feels like we can't get enough air.

Some people breathe so quickly that they experience dizziness or fainting. This can be serious, especially if you already have respiratory problems such as asthma or lung disease.

A spike in blood sugar

Stress hormones can cause blood sugar levels to rise. The body reacts to anxiety by storing sugar. High or constant anxiety could keep blood sugar levels too high for too long and put you at risk. Over time, this symptom can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Elom AKAKPO