Here is an interesting phrase that we often use when we want to express the consequences of an action.
We can say that something has a knock-on effect.
As one thing happens, another thing will occur because of it.
There is a knock-on effect.
A road accident will slow down the traffic flow.
That is a knock-on effect.
If people stop buying things, then the economy will suffer because of it.
One thing leads to another.
The phrase is always used in a negative way and perfectly expresses the cause and effect principle.
During the winter more people will become ill and then the hospitals become full.
The result of one thing happening and creating a problem for something else is the knock-on effect.