The tragic events over the past week have
taken a toll on everyone in Korea, not to
mention the families, friends and classmates
of the missing,...
Doctors say emotional stress in times like
this can affect your health,... even if you
aren't directly affected by the disaster.
Connie Lee explains.
People in Korea have been glued to the TV
since the sinking of the Sewol-ho ferry.
Sadness and anger... are common feelings felt
by people watching the incident unfold before
their eyes.
"My heart would beat fast, and I would get
teary-eyed...
It's just too sad.
Those young kids..."
"As a Korean citizen, and as a parent of kids...
I feel for the parents.
It makes me sad."
With catastrophes that affect an entire nation...
the extreme stress felt by its citizens can
put them more at risk for heart problems.
Research shows high levels of stress... produce
stress hormones... which can then have damaging
effects on the heart.
After the deadly earthquake in LA... back
in 1994... studies reveal the number of people
who died of heart attacks spiked 10-fold.
A sudden increase in stress, increases the
blood pressure-- and makes the person more
susceptible to infections.... and blood clots.
"Rapid increase of stress causes inflammation,
and hardening of arteries.
And the substance in your body that inhibits
inflammation in blood vessels... called the
N-O... is less produced."
Being depressed also puts one at higher risk
of heart problems.
Experts say that during times of high stress...
people crave foods that are spicy or salty.
And exercising?
That takes the back seat.
Doctors recommend people should make efforts
to calm their emotions, and have a set routine
schedule.
People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
should take extra care that their mental condition
does not worsen their physical being.
Connie Lee, Arirang News.
