There are numerous physical effects of stress. Stress can affect the heart. It caN increase the pulse rate,make the heart miss beats,and can cause high blood pressure. Stress can affect the respiratory system. It can lead to asthma. It can cause a person to breathe too fast,resultind in a loss of important carbon dioxide. Stress can affect the stomach. It can cause stomach aches and probleum digesting food. These are only a few example of the wide range of illnesses and symptoms resulting from stress.