WebMD explains that it’s not short-term stress and anxiety that puts our heart health at risk. In fact, this type of stress can help us overcome our challenges in life. Chronic stress, however, causes our stress hormones to remain high, placing a strain on our bodies including our hearts.
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can cause our blood cholesterol levels to shoot up, especially the LDL variety. Over time, this type of cholesterol can build up our arteries, leading to them becoming hard and clogged with dangerous plaques.
Additionally, stress can create inflammation, which, in turn, reduces our high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is considered to be the “good” type. HDL helps shuttle LDL out of the body.
WebMD also notes that stress can lead many people to consume an unhealthy diet, drink more, smoke, or avoid exercise further increasing their tendency toward high cholesterol.