How does stress affect your long-term physical health?

Chronic stress triggers prolonged release of cortisol and adrenaline, which over time damages multiple body systems. Elevated cortisol suppresses immune function, making you more vulnerable to infections and slowing healing. It also promotes inflammation, which is a root factor in heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Cardiovascular effects are particularly serious, as sustained stress raises blood pressure and heart rate, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. Stress also disrupts sleep, impairs digestion, reduces bone density, and can shrink the hippocampus, affecting memory. Behaviorally, stressed people often eat poorly, exercise less, and may use alcohol or tobacco, compounding the physical damage. Essentially, unmanaged chronic stress accelerates aging and significantly raises the risk of most major diseases.