Health and Stress go Hand in Hand

It seems to be true — If you are healthy, get this, stress can keep you on your toes.  A study reported in the journal Cardiovascular Ultrasound indicates that healthy subjects, when submitted to mental stress, would experience increased blood flow to the brain as the carotid artery allowed for vasodiolation.  In normal circumstance, this is a healthy boost.

They found that in healthy subjects, mental stress caused vasodilation. This was accompanied by a net increase in brain blood flow. In hypertensive subjects, mental stress produced no vasodilation and no significant change in brain blood flow.     Mental Stress Induces Brain Rush | Psych Central News.

On the other hand, study participants with hypertension experienced vasoconstriction, thereby increasing blood pressure.  Of course, blood to the brain is also restricted in these same people.

Conclusion (entirely mine) — Stress is healthy for healthy people.  Taking care of your physical health allowws you to take advantage of stressful periods in life.  Also indicated is the need for people who experience poorer health exhibited through higher blood pressure do well to reduce mental stress, and increase health positive behaviors.

Art by  Richard Moross