Long-term exposure to stress hormones can lead to which of the following?

• A. Decreased blood pressure
• B. Illness and anxiety
• C. Improved sleep
• D. Stronger immune response

Answer: (B)

Chronic exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, keeps the body's fight-or-flight system activated for a long time. That persistent arousal can wear down multiple body systems, making you more prone to illness because the immune system becomes less effective. It also fuels anxiety, since the brain stays in a heightened state of alertness and worry. The other possibilities don’t fit because long-term stress more often raises blood pressure and disrupts sleep, and it tends to weaken immune function rather than strengthen it. So illness and anxiety best reflect the effects of sustained stress hormone exposure.