Which health issue is commonly caused by stress?

• A. Flu
• B. High blood pressure
• C. Broken bone
• D. Vitamin deficiency

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that stress can raise blood pressure. When you experience stress, your body triggers a fight-or-flight response that floods you with hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones make your heart beat faster and narrow your blood vessels, which increases the pressure in your arteries. If stress is frequent or ongoing, this effect can become a long-term pattern, contributing to hypertension and greater cardiovascular risk.

The other health issues listed aren’t caused by stress in the same direct way. The flu is a viral infection, a broken bone results from physical injury, and a vitamin deficiency comes from insufficient nutrient intake or absorption. Stress can influence habits that affect overall health, but it doesn’t directly cause these conditions as it can with high blood pressure. Managing stress, along with healthy lifestyle choices, can help support blood pressure and heart health.