Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: An Update on Current Knowledge

Abstract

Considerable progress has been made during the past decade in research on cardiovascular effects of stress. Early-life stressors, such as childhood abuse and early socioeconomic adversity, are linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood. Our updated meta-analyses of prospective studies published until 2011 show a 1.5-fold (95% confidence interval 1.2-1.9) increased risk of coronary heart disease among adults experiencing social isolation and a 1.3-fold (1.2-1.5) excess risk for workplace stress; adverse metabolic changes are one of the underlying plausible mechanisms. Stress, anger, and depressed mood can act as acute triggers of major cardiac events; the pooled relative risk of acute coronary syndrome onset being preceded by stress is 2.5 (1.8-3.5) in case-crossover studies. Stress is also implicated in the prognosis of cardiovascular disease and in the development of stress (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. A major challenge over the next decade is to incorporate stress processes into the mainstream of cardiovascular pathophysiological research and understanding.

Effects of Concurrent Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress on Cardiovascular Risk in Low‐ and High‐Income Participants: Findings From the Reasons for Geographical and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

“…SES and psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and perceived stress, have been increasingly recognized as risk factors for CVD 3, 4, 7. Only recently have researchers begun to appreciate the information to be learned by considering both sets of factors simultaneously to better identify persons at elevated risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes and mortality 21, 23, 24, 25, 41.…”

“…Substantial evidence, however, has demonstrated that psychosocial factors also contribute to the development of CVD 3. In particular, depression4, 5, 6 and perceived psychosocial stress7, 8, 9 have been linked to increased CVD risk, and some research has demonstrated that the confluence of these 2 factors may be particularly deleterious for cardiovascular health 10, 11, 12. This latter finding is consistent with a recently proposed psychosocial “perfect storm13” model 13 of CVD risk that suggests an underlying vulnerability (eg, depression) is associated with greater risk of cardiac events and mortality, particularly in the presence of perceived stress.…”

“…This latter finding is consistent with a recently proposed psychosocial “perfect storm13” model 13 of CVD risk that suggests an underlying vulnerability (eg, depression) is associated with greater risk of cardiac events and mortality, particularly in the presence of perceived stress. Although examinations of the association between depressive symptoms or stress and CVD are increasingly common,4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 fewer studies have examined the combined effects of depressive symptoms and stress 10, 11. The perfect storm model emphasizes the importance of considering the convergence of a variety of factors that contribute to CVD risk rather than focusing on 1 risk factor in isolation.…”

Korelasi Asupan Makanan, Stres, Dan Aktivitas Fisik Dengan Hipertensi Pada Usia Menopause

“…Yaitu epidemiologi observasional, mengukur hubungan antara paparan psikologi stres dan pengembangan hipertensi (Steptoe & Kivimaki, 2013). Selanjutnya, pendekatan mekanistik, mempelajari dampak dari stres mental akut pada fungsi kardiovaskuler.…”

Pregnancy Loss and Carotid Intima–Media Thickness in Mexican Women

“…Posttraumatic stress disorder along with other stress‐related mental health disorders are associated with incident CVD 8. Abnormal neuroendocrine responses and unhealthy behaviors triggered by highly stressful life events appear to underlie this relation 9, 10, 11…”