A 38‑yeаr‑оld client presents with cоmplаints оf frequent heаdaches, fatigue, elevated blood pressure, poor sleep, and recurrent upper‑respiratory infections. During the assessment, the patient reports ongoing work stress and states, “I feel like I’m always in fight‑or‑flight mode.” Based on your understanding of the physiologic effects of chronic stress, which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?