Heart and Circulatory Effects of Stress   The circulatory system comprises the heart, lungs, arteries, capillaries and veins. If circulation is affected this has a knock on effect on to the other organs like the kidneys, liver and brain. Cardiovascular disease is the general term for diseases of the circulatory system, commonly the heart, arteries and veins. It is well documented that stress has a substantial effect on the heart. The body’s' way of dealing with a stressful situation is to prepare the body, including the cardiovascular system, to deal with the situation. Adrenaline, nor epinephrine, cortisol and cortisone are increased and passed throughout the body via the blood. This gives the body a sudden boost of energy that can be used to fight or flee from the perceived stressful situation. This will cause the heart pressure to go up. In most cases this is necessary but if the stress is prolonged or chronic then the heart is forced to work harder for longer. This can seriously affect this vital organ. Long term high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Chronic stress pushes the circulatory system above these tolerances and changes how it operates. This has health consequences unless a strategy is implemented to manage the stress. The following are some ill effects on the heart and circulatory system which may be caused by long term stress   ·          Hypertension ·          Coronary heart disease ·          Heart attack ·          Stroke ·          Effects on digestive tract ·          Stomach pains ·          Diarrhoea ·          Peptic ulcers ·          Effects on hormone and immune systems ·          Effects on sleep patterns ·          Effects on functioning of major organs- heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach. ·          Lower resistance to infective agents/tumour growth ·          Worsening of existing conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ME.   It is interesting to note that a recent survey by the HSE indicated over 550,000 cases of absence from work is as a result of stress, depression and anxiety. A further 66,000 were absent with heart problems as a result of stress. By taking part in the Shaolin Elite simple direct and effective programme you can help reduce the effects of Stress in your organisation.