How does anxiety affect your physical health long term?

Chronic anxiety keeps your body in a prolonged state of stress, triggering repeated releases of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time this wears down multiple body systems. The cardiovascular system takes significant strain, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The immune system becomes suppressed, making you more vulnerable to infections and slower to heal. Long-term anxiety is also linked to digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammation throughout the body, muscle tension that leads to chronic pain, and disrupted sleep which compounds all other health issues. It can contribute to hormonal imbalances and has been associated with a higher risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes. Essentially, sustained anxiety accelerates wear on nearly every major body system.