In previous entries we’ve explored the nature of stress and how paying attention to the present moment through mindfulness can be an effective antidote to stress. Today we’ll explore how lower levels of chronic stress overload might save your life.
Coritsol is one of the chief hormonal products of the stress response. It’s beneficial in short bursts but can be dangerous when chronically elevated. A study in the Journal Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (reported in BBC News) investigated the relationship between elevated levels of cortisol and cardiovascular mortality.
The study focused on 860 individuals over the age of 65 and followed them for six years. 183 people died during the study period. Those with the highest level of cortisol (the top 1/3) had a five-fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease but not other causes.
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