Stress leads to significant cardiovascular risk in black people, study reveals

Stress can significantly increase cardiovascular risk in some black people, by increasing the amount of sodium in the body.

A recent US study found that 30 per cent of black men and women retain too much sodium when stressed up to the equivalent of eating a small order of fast food French fries or crisps.

Dr Gregory Harshfield, hypertension researcher at the Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Georgia Health Sciences University, explained: "This response pattern puts you under a greater blood pressure load over the course of the day and probably throughout the night as well, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease."

As a response to stress, individuals were observed to hold approximately 160 milligrams of salt, causing the top number of their blood pressure to soar by seven points. This elevated level is maintained for an hour longer than normal.

The findings indicate the importance learning to cope with stress and pressures to protect not just an individual's mental health, but their physical wellbeing also.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.