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. 2010 Dec 29:26–455. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-07151-5.50005-6

Table 3.12.

Some possible effects of mild, acute and chronic stress

Mild Acute Chronic
CNS Mood change Increased concentration and clarity of thought Anxiety, loss of sense of humour, depression, fatigue, headaches, migraines, tremor
Cardiovascular Rise in pulse rate and blood pressure Improved cardiac output and tissue perfusion

  • Hypertension

  • Chest pain Ischaemic heart disease
Respiratory Increased respiratory rate Improved ventilation Cough and asthma
Mouth Slight dryness Dry mouth Dry mouth
Gastrointestinal Increased bowel activity Reduced digestion

  • Peptic ulceration

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
Sexual Male impotence and female irregular menstruation Male impotence and female irregular menstruation Male impotence and female amenorrhoea