What hormonal response does stress trigger that affects blood pressure?

When the body experiences stress, it triggers a physiological response often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response initiates the release of several hormones, including adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. These hormones play a key part in preparing the body to respond to perceived threats, and one significant effect they have is the elevation of blood pressure.

Adrenaline, for example, increases heart rate and helps constrict blood vessels, both of which contribute to a rise in blood pressure. Similarly, cortisol can cause the body to retain sodium and water, leading to an increase in blood volume, which also raises blood pressure. This response is crucial in situations where the body needs to quickly mobilize energy and resources, but prolonged stress and chronic levels of these hormones can lead to consistently elevated blood pressure, which is detrimental to health.

In contrast, other options fail to address how the hormonal response during stress specifically contributes to changes in blood pressure. Adjustments like reducing vascular resistance or improving blood flow regulation do not align with the typical physiological effects of stress hormones.