Vértices (Aug 2018)

Anatomy-Physiology of stress and the process of illness

  • Rogério da Silva Burla,
  • Mateus Santos Matos,
  • Thalita Pereira de Oliveira Rocha,
  • Flavia Batista Viana Correa,
  • Caio Oliveira Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.19180/1809-2667.v20n22018p281-289
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 2
pp. 281 – 289

Abstract

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Contemporary production organization has imposed a competitive lifestyle on citizens, with the threat of unemployment, long working hours, the need to consume, as well as other difficulties. During stressful events, a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response that secretes the hormone cortisol occurs. Depending on the duration and intensity of the stressor, the high level of cortisol may cause pathologies. The present study sought to understand the anatomical and physiological bases of the process of illness caused by chronic stress. Among the most studied pathologies caused by hypercortisolism are hypertension, increased blood glucose, muscle weakness, stretch marks, osteoporosis, obesity, degeneration of the brain and reduction of immunity. It is important to emphasize that people emit different responses to stress, so that the signs and symptoms will not be equal among the affected. Finally, any public or private initiative that establishes social, economic and emotional stability can suppress the pathologies associated with stress.Contemporary production organization has imposed a competitive lifestyle on citizens, with the threat of unemployment, long working hours, the need to consume, as well as other difficulties. During stressful events, a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response that secretes the hormone cortisol occurs. Depending on the duration and intensity of the stressor, the high level of cortisol may cause pathologies. The present study sought to understand the anatomical and physiological bases of the process of illness caused by chronic stress. Among the most studied pathologies caused by hypercortisolism are hypertension, increased blood glucose, muscle weakness, stretch marks, osteoporosis, obesity, degeneration of the brain and reduction of immunity. It is important to emphasize that people emit different responses to stress, so that the signs and symptoms will not be equal among the affected. Finally, any public or private initiative that establishes social, economic and emotional stability can suppress the pathologies associated with stress.

Keywords