Increased stress cannot only change a person's behavior, but their physical health as well. .
The physical effect of stress on the body can be dangerous. One of the first things to happen when a person becomes stressed is a rise in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When a person consistently has high blood pressure it puts extra stress on the cardiovascular system (Marieb). Long-term high blood pressure can cause a range of things, from hemorrhaging blood vessels, strokes, or aneurysms (Marieb). High blood pressure causes scaring on the arteries and a build up of cholesterol, which is found within the scaring; this causes the cardiovascular system to work over time, leading to its the possible failure (Marieb). Another body system that is affected is the immune system. Naturally, with short-term stress, the body prepares itself for any potential harm; when it comes to long-term stress, the immune system is not able recuperate (News in Health). The immune system is a "collection of cells that defend the body against foreign bodies" such as viruses, bacteria and cancer cells (Marieb). There are two types of cells that make up the collection; these cells are B-cells and T-cells. T-cells attach to and kill any infected cells; B-cells produce antibodies that travel through the body and destroy any invading bacteria or viruses (Marieb). Stress on the immune system is similar to an autoimmune disease; stress suppresses the immune system leaving it vulnerable to illness.
A suppressed immune system leads to frequent illness and infections (News in Health). The muscles and skeletal system are also affected from long-term stress. Muscles tense in reaction to stress as a way of guarding the body against potential pain or injury (Stress Effects on the Body). When muscles do not relax it can cause "stress related disorders" such as migraines, tension headaches and chronic pain in the head, neck, and shoulders (Stress Effects on the Body).