Life events that are shocking and cause worry can be detrimental to a person’s health, according to research from University College London. This stress can disrupt the immune system, nervous system, and hormones, leading to various health issues. Financial worries were found to be the most harmful source of stress in the study.
The researchers measured four markers in the blood of over five thousand subjects who were over 50 years old. These markers, including crp and fibrinogen as signs of inflammation, cortisol, and igf-1 as indicators of the immune reaction, were used to categorize the subjects into high, moderate, or low-risk groups for potential illness.
The study found that when the immune system and hormone production function harmoniously, overall health is maintained. However, chronic stress can disrupt this balance, leading to health problems. Previous life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, long-term illness, disability, family care, and financial worries, were associated with different health risk profiles.
Financial worries were particularly harmful, likely due to their impact on various aspects of life. Other stressors, such as long-term illness, the death of a loved one, and divorce, also increased the risk of health problems. Interestingly, physical disability seemed to reduce the probability of being in the high or moderate-risk groups.
The study also found that experiencing severe stress increased the likelihood of being in a high health risk group. Multiple stressors further compounded these risks. Genetic factors did not appear to influence the effects of stress on the body, highlighting the importance of addressing stress and its impacts on health.