Men who experience ongoing stress are at a much higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to other men. How is chronic stress believed to contribute directly to heart disease?
a. Stress hormones slow down heart rate, decreasing circulation and allowing plaques to build up.
b. Stress overstimulates heart tissue, which leads to damage.
c. Stress hormones block the absorption of oxygen into the blood, leading to enlargement of the heart.
d. Stress stimulates the immune system's inflammatory response, which leads to the development of plaques.
Answer: d