Stress Can Make You Sick
May 6, 2006

By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH -- The body's response to stress may increase risk for both heart disease and periodontal disease, researchers say.

Scientists from University College London reviewed data from a nationwide U.S. study. The study was done between 1988 and 1994. Nearly 34,000 people were interviewed. They also were given physical and dental exams. The study covered more than 30 health-related topics.

The London researchers found that people with more stress-related "wear and tear" on their bodies were more likely to have some type of heart disease. They also were more likely to have periodontal disease.

The study found that people at lower income levels had higher measures of "wear and tear." They also had higher rates of both diseases.

Adapting to stress takes a toll on the body. This is known as the allostatic load. Researchers assess a person's allostatic load by measuring stress hormones, blood pressure and other factors. High allostatic load also has been linked with thinking and memory problems, as well as early death.

Other studies have found that people with periodontal disease were at higher risk for heart disease. One theory is that the diseased gums push inflammation-related proteins into the blood, which can carry them to other organs and cause damage. The University College London study instead found that both conditions may be related to the effects of stress over time.

The study appears in the May issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.