The answer is yes. You should know though that studies are still being conducted to prove the exact ill effects of stress. Although there are some inconclusive findings, it is a fact that the OSHA says that stress is a work hazard. It is also a fact that more than 75% of walk-in patients have complaints that are caused by stress. At least 43% of these patients suffer from serious health conditions. These figures should be enough to show that stress does have an impact on health.

Stressed out individuals may be more susceptible to certain health problems. Given below are a number of health problems that are currently linked in some way to the incidence of stress:

- Heart disease is one of the top killers in America. Aside from diet and lifestyle habits, stress seems to have a hand in the development of heart problems. Heart rate and blood pressure shoot up in moments of extreme stress. Prolonged episodes like this can harm the arteries. Heart disease could follow.

- One major answer to how does stress affect health has something to do with the immune system. People under stress tend to be more prone to colds and infections. This is because the hormone cortisol which is present in large amounts when under stress also tends to hinder the work of the immune system.

- You could gain more weight when under stress. This is due to the body's quick use of carbohydrate stores. This in turn could encourage you to eat more. On the flip side, those who are too busy to even eat could lose weight and consume all of their energy stores. That would leave them with nothing to draw energy and nutrients from.

- Most of us already know that stomach problems also occur with stress. A tense situation could cause irregular or improper digestion. This could lead to diarrhea. It is also possible for stressed out individuals to develop hyperacidity. This can happen to you if missing your meals because of work or other concerns is already a common habit with you.

- People who are too tense are in danger of developing mental disorders. This can only be expected since too much anxiety can naturally lead to an anxiety disorder or to depression. When mental problems surface, the social and physical aspects of oneself can also become affected and potentially neglected.

- If you worry too much over problems, you could lose your ability to sleep well. Being able to sleep for a short while and waking up tense are signs that stress may have gotten the better of you. This is not a good thing. Night sleep is essential to keep the body thoroughly rested and recharged.

- Those who experience stress complain of various other conditions. You may experience, headaches, rashes, gum problems, menstrual irregularities, hair loss and sexual problems.

So how does stress affect health? As these conditions would show, it can affect it in various ways. Make it a point to learn to manage stress to ensure your health.