Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

True or False: Stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and increased heart rate.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in children

4. Only in older adults

The correct answer is: True

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to challenging or threatening situations. When individuals experience stress, their bodies react by activating the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to several physical symptoms. Muscle tension is one common response, where the muscles contract and become tight, often leading to discomfort or pain. Headaches can also occur, particularly tension headaches, which are often triggered by the muscle tightness associated with stress. Additionally, stress can increase heart rate as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing the individual to confront or flee from perceived threats. Given these reactions, the statement is accurate; stress indeed has the potential to cause muscle tension, headaches, and an increased heart rate, affecting individuals across various age groups, not just children or older adults.