The high morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have led to an increasing extent of research into its aetiology. The main focus was initially on biological risk factors. Whilst these factors do account for half of the variances in cardiovascular disease risk, researchers have begun to focus on identifying the psychological and behavioural risk factors. Feeling socially excluded or rejected threatens people’s mental and physical well-being. Arterial stiffening may underlie the association between social rejection and cardiovascular disease. This study aims to investigate the associations between fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) as a sign of social rejection and indicators of subclinical cardiovascular symptoms—central arterial stiffness and to determine whether this association is independent of or mediated by anxiety. Methods: The demographic data (age, gender, education, marital status and occupation), smoking status and body weight were collected, and all the individuals were subjected to instrumental measurement of the condition of the arterial walls using applanation tonometry, EKG and blood pressure (BP) measurement. Data collection tools: A self-assessment questionnaire, measuring anxiety and gelotophobia, was used. Conclusions: In this study, individuals with a specific fear of being laughed at and ridiculed, who always perceive other persons’ laughter as a threat, showed the higher pulse wave velocity. This is a confirmation of the idea that social rejection is a significant factor for CVD and confirmation of the usefulness of the assessment of gelotophobia in the process of clarifying social rejection. Recommendation: The study results support the idea that the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) can be used as a sign and predictor of social rejection and social isolation. On this point, the future research can be addressed to the creation of interventions for social rejection relief and early detection and reduction of subclinical cardiovascular symptoms, before cardiovascular health problems develop.   Keywords: Arterial stiffening, gelotophobia, pulse wave velocity, social rejection.

The cold pressor test examines the cardio-vascular reactivity during certain physiological states - rest, stress and recovery. Currently it is a widespread tool for laboratory induced stress in an experimental setting amongst various fields of science. PURPOSE: To systemize the fields of application of the cold pressor test in an attempt to outline the possibilities to analyze cardio-vascular reactivity in connection to symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. RESULTS: Unlike similar experiments (e.g. mental arithmetic test), which actively involve the behavior and motivation of the participants, the cold pressor test is a physical stressor that passively involves the participant. Cardiovascular response (BP, heart rate, aortic pulse wave velocity) to cold pressor test is measured with applanation tonometry - a novel, simple, easy-to-use method. In CONCLUSION, the combination of the cold pressor test with speech task and mental arithmetic test would contribute to the adequate tracking and comparison of vascular and myocardial reactivity during the assessment of psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress). All of this would facilitate the involvement of the individuals with clinical or sub-clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety in experimental studies and would further help in a more precise assessment of the cardiovascular risk amongst them.

Hypertension is one of the leading diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is manifested by changes in arterial stiffness. Cardiovascular reactivity, especially blood pressure (BP), changes during the cold pressor test (CPT) depending on various factors. Undoubtedly, stress is one of the most important factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the various effects of CPT on cardiovascular responses in healthy young subjects. A total of 56 healthy individuals aged between 21 and 26 years were investigated. The cardiovascular responses (BP, heart rate and aortic pulse wave velocity) to CPT were recorded by using the applanation tonometry. The Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. 32.14% (n = 18) of the individuals who showed differences in systolic BP more than 22 mm Hg and differences in diastolic BP more than 18 mm Hg after the CPT were defined as hyperreactors. Hyperreactors showed a significantly higher increase in sleep disturbances (p > 0.01) and anxiety when compared to normoreactors. The CPT used to diagnose cardiovascular reactivity in young individuals and the assessment of perceived stress can help identify candidates who are at risk of hypertonic disease in the future.   Keywords: Cold pressor test, cardiovascular reactivity, applanation tonometry, blood pressure, stress.

Hypertension is one of the leading diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is manifested by changes in arterial stiffness. Cardiovascular reactivity, especially blood pressure (BP), changes during the cold pressor test (CPT) depending on various factors. Undoubtedly, stress is one of the most important factors. The aim of the study is to investigate the various effects of CPT on cardiovascular responses in healthy young subjects. 56 healthy individuals aged between 21 and 26 years have been investigated. The Cardiovascular responses (BP, heart rate, aortic pulse wave velocity) to CPT were recorded by using the applanation tonometry. The Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were assessed. 32,14%(n=18) of individuals who had showed difference in systolic BP more than 22 mm of Hg and difference in diastolic BP more than 18 mm of Hg after the CPT were defined as hyperreactors. Hyperreactors showed a significantly higher increase in sleep disturbances (P > 0.01) and anxiety when compared to the normoreaktors. The CPT used to diagnose cardiovascular reactivity in young individuals and the assessment of perceived stress can help identify candidates for a future risk of hypertonic disease.   Keywords: Cold pressor test; cardiovascular reactivity; applanation tonometry; blood pressure; stress