Stress may raise cholesterol in some: new study

For some people, the body's reaction to stress may raise the odds of developing high cholesterol, the results of a new study suggest. Researchers in the UK found that healthy middle-age adults whose cholesterol rose in response to a stressful task were more likely than their peers without this increase to have high cholesterol several years later.

	BREAKING NEWS Ukrainian Election Ends with Tymoshenko's Defeat
	Yulia Tymoshenko In and Out Politics More...

It's been known that &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/90/360/14853_cholesterol.html' target=_blank>blood cholesterol can show a short-lived rise in response to stress, study co-author Dr. Andrew Steptoe told Reuters Health. The new findings, he said, suggest that these transient increases may predict long-term elevations in cholesterol.

A number of studies have linked chronic stress to a higher risk of heart disease, and it's possible that stress-related changes in cholesterol contribute to this, according to Steptoe, who is based at University College London, reports Reuters.

According to Forbes, the demands of the season are upon you. And all that socializing, present shopping, decorating and feast preparations can turn this time of year into a &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/90/360/15848_stress.html' target=_blank>stress fest that can affect your health.

"If you are not careful, the holidays take an emotional toll on the body, ranging from increased blood pressure to weakening your immune system," said Gina Kearney, a holistic nurse practitioner and site manager at the Integrative Care Center, affiliated with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

So keep a cool head and follow these holiday-stress tips from the National Mental Health Association: Set realistic goals. Plan ahead, shop and make travel plans early and pace yourself. This will help decrease last-minute anxiety. Don't do everything on your own. Get everyone in the family to help with holiday tasks. Scale down your expectations. Manage your time and make sure you leave extra time for last minute changes or crises. Try to relax. Deep breathing exercises, relaxation tapes, and gentle yoga are some techniques that may help you. Exercise. If you already have a regular exercise routine, maintain it through the holidays. Monitor your feelings and share them with a good friend. Even a quick phone call or email exchange can help you feel better. O.Ch.

Discuss this article with others on Pravda.ru forum