High levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, have been linked to cardiovascular disease in some previous studies, but not all of them. This is thought to be connected to the fact that the measurements of cortisol in the blood or salvia at the time of testing may pick up acute stress, but they don’t account for long-term stress. Dutch researchers have analysed cortisol levels over several months by looking at scalp hair samples over a three month period, looking at 283 men and women of an average age of 75. Supporting data was gathered, which included data about coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, lung disease, stroke and cancer.
Those found to have the highest levels of cortisol had three times the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Researchers didn’t find any connection between lung disease, osteoporosis and cancer and the levels of cortisol, though. The increased risk is comparable to the traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and abdominal obesity. Researchers noted that further studies would need to take place in order to determine if other risk factors influence the risks.
Diabetes and heart disease are both largely affected by lifestyle, so if you lead a sedentary lifestyle and eat a poor diet then your risk will be higher. If you want to improve your general wellbeing, it’s important that you increase the amount of exercise you do – this will not only help you to maintain a healthy weight, but it will also improve circulation, keep your body flexible and help reduce stress. A balanced diet is also important when it comes to fighting such conditions. You should keep your intake of fats, salt and sugar to a minimum as these can lead to obesity and heart problems. This, alongside getting plenty of vitamins and minerals through your diet, will help you to fight disease and stay healthy.