Dissecting the genetic architecture of the cardiovascular and renal stress response

Clinical and Pre-clinical Applications of the Transcendental Meditation Program® in the Prevention and Treatment of Essential Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease in Youth and Adults

“…It is well established that the SNS activation in turn activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which includes release of the potent vasoconstrictive hormone, angiotensin II, which contributes to the acute rise in BP [19]. This response pattern is associated with concomitant increases in cardiac and vascular wall tension and intravascular shear stress that over time contribute to early vascular and ventricular remodeling which eventually lead to EH [13,14].…”

“…Environmental and psychosocial stress has been thought to play a significant role in the development of essential hypertension (EH) by acting through both acute and long-term BP control mechanisms [13,14]. Stress is defined as a process in which environmental demands tax or exceed the adaptive capacity of an organism, resulting in physiological changes that, over time, may place the individual at risk for disease development [15].…”

“…Chronic sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation has been linked to EH [16]. Stress has been hypothesized as contributing to the development of EH and CVD via a pathway of exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity [13,14,17]. The acute phase of the stress response involves complex neuroendocrine changes characterized by increased sympathetic activation [18].…”

Urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine excretion rates are heritable, but not associated with office and ambulatory blood pressure

“…It has been suggested that abnormally increased sympathetic function may lead to the development and progression of a hypertensive state 3,5 perhaps initially by influencing transient BP increases to environmental stress. 6,7 Indeed, several studies indicate that this so-called sympathetic overdrive is a hallmark of essential hypertension 8,9 and several mechanisms and consequences have been proposed, with particular emphasis on its role in the development of target organ damage. 10 The substantial dysregulation of sympathetic function in patients with essential hypertension ,as well as in their normotensive offspring, has incited research into susceptibility genes and chromosome loci being associated or linked with sympathetic function and essential hypertension.…”

Augmentation of Mind-body Therapy and Role of Deep Slow Breathing

“…In a World Health Organization study at 15 international sites, 24% frequency of psychological disorders in primary care settings was noted (Sartorius et al, 1996) Psychological stress has been thought to play a significant role in the development of hypertension by acting on the autonomic nervous system Snieder et al, 2002). Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system has been linked to essential hypertension (Esler, 2000).…”