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Leo DG, Keller SS, Proietti R. "Close your eyes and relax": the role of hypnosis in reducing anxiety, and its implications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1411835. [PMID: 39035095 PMCID: PMC11258040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1411835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety is the most common form of mental health disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Psychosocial interventions such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been suggested as an effective treatment in the management of general anxiety and anxiety disorders, with emerging evidence also suggesting the effectiveness of hypnosis. Moreover, anxiety has shown to be linked to the onset and development of several cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are the leading cause of global death. In this paper, we review the current literature to examine the role that anxiety has on the onset and development of CVD and summarize the current knowledge on the role that hypnosis and hypnotherapy have in reducing anxiety, also explaining how this can impact the cardiovascular system and the prevention of CVD. Review of the evidence suggests that hypnosis and hypnotherapy are effective in treating anxiety and may positively affect the heart and the cardiovascular system, reducing sympathetic activation and increasing parasympathetic tone, potentially preventing the onset of CVD related to increased sympathetic activation. However, further studies are required to further understand how hypnosis and hypnotherapy affect the cardiovascular system through investigation of the neurophysiological components of the hypnotic state and of the mind-body relationship. Healthcare systems should embed mental health screening in patients at risk of developing CVD as part of the clinical pathway and consider the role that hypnosis and hypnotherapy may play in the management of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Giuseppe Leo
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon S. Keller
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Riccardo Proietti
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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Alfasi Y. We only know that we don't know: attachment patterns and psychological coping during the COVID-19 pandemic - the mediation role of intolerance of uncertainty. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:806-825. [PMID: 35430955 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2061326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created sudden changes in many areas of daily life and increased uncertainty about the future. Two studies examined the association between attachment patterns and mental well-being during the pandemic, the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), and factors related to social relationships and self-perceptions. The results of the first study, conducted at the outbreak of the pandemic, indicated that individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety experienced more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions at that time, and that IOU and perceived social support mediated these associations. The results of the second study, conducted several months into the pandemic, indicated an association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and perceived stress during the time of the pandemic. Results of Study 2 also indicated that IOU mediated the association between attachment anxiety and stress, and that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and stress. These findings underscore the adverse psychological effects of uncertain situations, especially for individuals with a fragile foundation of interpersonal support, thus emphasizing the need for action to reduce uncertainty, especially in times of emergency.
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3
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Keogh TM, Howard S, Gallagher S. Behavioural clusters characteristic of cardiovascular reactivity profiles relate to poorer health outcomes. Br J Health Psychol 2023; 28:513-531. [PMID: 36458587 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blunted cardiovascular reactivity is associated with a distinct behavioural profile of greater exposure to early life adversity, coupled with higher levels of behavioural disengagement and symptoms of depression. The present study sought to extend on this work by investigating if behavioural clusters with distinct patterns of reactivity were related to health and behavioural outcomes at baseline and at a 4-year follow-up. METHODS Hierarchical cluster analyses were conducted using longitudinal data drawn from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS 2) Biomarker Project and the MIDUS 3 follow-up 4 years later. During MIDUS, 2 participants (N = 513) underwent a standardized stress testing protocol and had their blood pressure and heart rate monitored throughout. In addition, hierarchical cluster analyses were conducted on responses from measures of early life adversity, behavioural disengagement and depression. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to determine whether cluster membership was related to health and behavioural outcomes which were taken at both time points. RESULTS Three behavioural clusters emerged with statistically different blood pressure reactivity patterns. The cluster characterized by greater exposure to early life adversity, higher levels of behavioural disengagement and depressive symptoms, had relatively lower blood pressure reactivity patterns compared with both the exaggerated reactivity cluster and the cluster similar to the sample mean. In fully adjusted models, this cluster was associated with hypertension (p = .050) and depressed affect (p = .033), while Cluster 1 characteristic of an exaggerated blood pressure reactivity profile was associated with depressed affect (p < .001). Cluster membership did not significantly predict future health status. CONCLUSION This study extends research on behavioural clusters characteristic of reactivity profiles to demonstrate how they relate to health and behavioural outcomes during MIDUS 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey M Keogh
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Howard
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Yoo J, Slavish D, Dietch JR, Kelly K, Ruggero C, Taylor DJ. Daily reactivity to stress and sleep disturbances: unique risk factors for insomnia. Sleep 2023; 46:zsac256. [PMID: 36301838 PMCID: PMC9905776 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To naturalistically measure sleep disturbances following stress exposure (i.e. sleep reactivity) and stress responses following sleep disturbances (i.e. stress reactivity) at the daily level and prospectively examine these reactivity measures as individual risk factors for insomnia. METHODS The study assessed 392 nurses' sleep and stress for 14 days using daily diaries and actigraphy. Self-reported insomnia symptoms were assessed at the end of the 14 days, as well as 6 and 11 months later. RESULTS In multilevel modeling, while negative fixed effects indicated that shorter total sleep time (TST) and lower sleep efficiency led to greater stress and vice versa, significant random effects indicated individual variability in sleep reactivity and stress reactivity. In latent score change modeling, greater sleep reactivity (lower diary-determined sleep efficiency following greater stress) and greater stress reactivity (greater stress following shorter diary-determined TST) at baseline were associated with greater insomnia symptoms at 11 months (b = 10.34, p = .026; b = 7.83, p = .03). Sleep reactivity and stress reactivity also interacted to predict insomnia symptoms, such that sleep reactivity was significantly associated with insomnia symptoms for those with high (+1 SD) stress reactivity (b = 17.23, p = .001), but not for those with low (-1 SD) stress reactivity (b = 5.16, p = .315). CONCLUSIONS Baseline stress reactivity and sleep reactivity independently as well as jointly predict greater insomnia symptoms 11 months later. The findings delineate processes underlying the stress-diathesis model of insomnia and highlight the utility of longitudinal and naturalistic measures of sleep and stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiah Yoo
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Danica Slavish
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Jessica R Dietch
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, 2950 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Kimberly Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Camilo Ruggero
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311280, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Daniel J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E University Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Tarasov KV, Chakir K, Riordon DR, Lyashkov AE, Ahmet I, Perino MG, Silvester AJ, Zhang J, Wang M, Lukyanenko YO, Qu JH, Barrera MCR, Juhaszova M, Tarasova YS, Ziman B, Telljohann R, Kumar V, Ranek M, Lammons J, Bychkov R, de Cabo R, Jun S, Keceli G, Gupta A, Yang D, Aon MA, Adamo L, Morrell CH, Otu W, Carroll C, Chambers S, Paolocci N, Huynh T, Pacak K, Weiss R, Field L, Sollott SJ, Lakatta EG. A remarkable adaptive paradigm of heart performance and protection emerges in response to marked cardiac-specific overexpression of ADCY8. eLife 2022; 11:e80949. [PMID: 36515265 PMCID: PMC9822292 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult (3 month) mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) type VIII (TGAC8) adapt to an increased cAMP-induced cardiac workload (~30% increases in heart rate, ejection fraction and cardiac output) for up to a year without signs of heart failure or excessive mortality. Here, we show classical cardiac hypertrophy markers were absent in TGAC8, and that total left ventricular (LV) mass was not increased: a reduced LV cavity volume in TGAC8 was encased by thicker LV walls harboring an increased number of small cardiac myocytes, and a network of small interstitial proliferative non-cardiac myocytes compared to wild type (WT) littermates; Protein synthesis, proteosome activity, and autophagy were enhanced in TGAC8 vs WT, and Nrf-2, Hsp90α, and ACC2 protein levels were increased. Despite increased energy demands in vivo LV ATP and phosphocreatine levels in TGAC8 did not differ from WT. Unbiased omics analyses identified more than 2,000 transcripts and proteins, comprising a broad array of biological processes across multiple cellular compartments, which differed by genotype; compared to WT, in TGAC8 there was a shift from fatty acid oxidation to aerobic glycolysis in the context of increased utilization of the pentose phosphate shunt and nucleotide synthesis. Thus, marked overexpression of AC8 engages complex, coordinate adaptation "circuity" that has evolved in mammalian cells to defend against stress that threatens health or life (elements of which have already been shown to be central to cardiac ischemic pre-conditioning and exercise endurance cardiac conditioning) that may be of biological significance to allow for proper healing in disease states such as infarction or failure of the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill V Tarasov
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Khalid Chakir
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Daniel R Riordon
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Alexey E Lyashkov
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ismayil Ahmet
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Maria Grazia Perino
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Allwin Jennifa Silvester
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Mingyi Wang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Yevgeniya O Lukyanenko
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jia-Hua Qu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Miguel Calvo-Rubio Barrera
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Magdalena Juhaszova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Yelena S Tarasova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Bruce Ziman
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Richard Telljohann
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Mark Ranek
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - John Lammons
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Rostislav Bychkov
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Seungho Jun
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Gizem Keceli
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ashish Gupta
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Miguel A Aon
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Luigi Adamo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Christopher H Morrell
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Walter Otu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Cameron Carroll
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Shane Chambers
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Nazareno Paolocci
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Thanh Huynh
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Robert Weiss
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Loren Field
- Kraennert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of MedicineIdianapolisUnited States
| | - Steven J Sollott
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBaltimoreUnited States
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Howard S. OLD IDEAS, NEW DIRECTIONS: RE-EXAMINING THE PREDICTIVE UTILITY OF THE HEMODYNAMIC PROFILE OF THE STRESS RESPONSE IN HEALTHY POPULATIONS. Health Psychol Rev 2022; 17:104-120. [PMID: 35452356 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2022.2067210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The 'reactivity hypothesis' has a long and fruitful history in health psychology and behavioural medicine, with elements of its thesis taken as core and others lost in the plethora of research on its utility as a theory of psychosomatic disease. One such thesis is that the underlying hemodynamic profile of the stress response may be particularly revealing when detailing the impact of psychological stress on the development of cardiovascular disease. This paper re-examines old ideas surrounding the hemodynamic profile of the stress response, asking why its health-predictive properties were never fully explored. Further, this paper reviews the evidence that a vascular profile of stress responding may be especially predictive of disease development, particularly in the case of hypertension. In addition, measurement of hemodynamic profile as well as its known psychosocial moderators are reviewed including how examination of patterns of cardiovascular-stress response adaptation may extend the field. This paper highlights that the extension of the reactivity hypothesis to include both hemodynamic profile and patterns of cardiovascular stress-response adaptation may hold much explanatory power in detailing the impact of how stress responding and stress tolerance promotes disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán Howard
- SASHLab, Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
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7
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Ginty AT, Tyra AT, Young DA, Brindle RC, de Rooij SR, Williams SE. Cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress and academic achievement. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e14064. [PMID: 35353904 PMCID: PMC9541813 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress have been associated with cognitive function. However, previous work has assessed cardiovascular reactions and cognitive function in the laboratory at the same time. The present study examined the association between cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress in the laboratory and academic performance in final year high school students. Heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output reactions to an acute psychological stress task were measured in 131 participants during their final year of high school. Performance on high school A‐levels were obtained the following year. Higher heart rate and cardiac output reactivity were associated with better A‐level performance. These associations were still statistically significant after adjusting for a wide range of potentially confounding variables. The present results are consistent with a body of literature suggesting that higher heart rate reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with better cognitive performance across a variety of domains. The present study is the first to examine the associations between cardiovascular reactions to stress in the laboratory and academic achievement. Additionally, it is the first to examine a more comprehensive hemodynamic profile of cardiovascular reactivity (e.g., cardiac output) with cognitive function. The present results are consistent with a body of literature suggesting that higher heart rate reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with better cognitive performance across a variety of domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Alexandra T Tyra
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle A Young
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan C Brindle
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Science & Neuroscience Program, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, USA
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah E Williams
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Barbuscia A, Cambois E, Pailhé A, Comolli CL, Bernardi L. Health after union dissolution(s): Cumulative and temporal dynamics. SSM Popul Health 2022; 17:101042. [PMID: 35242992 PMCID: PMC8857077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of individuals experiencing one or multiple union dissolutions in their lifetime is increasing. The literature has shown significant interactions with health disorders, in response to the crisis situation that affects the spouses. However, processes are still unclear, in particular regarding the timing of the affection. This study explored whether different health disorders are observed shortly after dissolution or are delayed, and whether they are short- or long-lasting. We used data from the two waves (2006 and 2010) of the French Health and Professional Lives Survey (SIP) among 8349 individuals aged 25-64 years. Based on three health disorders, we studied 1) their levels in relation to the retrospective histories of union dissolutions; 2) health changes associated with a dissolution occurring between the two waves. We found that individuals who experienced one or multiple union dissolutions had worse self-rated health, more depressive symptoms and sleep disorders. The two latter were more related with a recent dissolution than with distant ones, suggesting an immediate association, yet long-lasting. Self-rated health was related with distant dissolutions only, suggesting a lagged, however also long-lasting association. Experiencing union dissolution between the two waves was linked to a higher probability of the onset of sleep disorders and depressive mood, and of deterioration of self-rated health if it was not the first dissolution. Our study shows that union dissolutions are highly correlated with different poor health measures, in the short and the long run, depending on the health disorder, with cumulative and durable effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barbuscia
- INSERM, 01 rue de Tolbiac, 75654, Paris Cedex 13, France
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Economic Demography Unit, Campus Condorcet, 9 cours des Humanités, CS 50004, 93322 Aubervilliers Cedex, France
| | - Emmanuelle Cambois
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Economic Demography Unit, Campus Condorcet, 9 cours des Humanités, CS 50004, 93322 Aubervilliers Cedex, France
| | - Ariane Pailhé
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Economic Demography Unit, Campus Condorcet, 9 cours des Humanités, CS 50004, 93322 Aubervilliers Cedex, France
| | - Chiara Ludovica Comolli
- University of Bologna, Department of Statistical Science “Paolo Fortunati”, Via Belle Arti 41, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardi
- University of Lausanne, Géopolis Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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Keogh TM, Howard S, Gallagher S. Early Life Adversity and Blunted Cardiovascular Reactivity to Acute Psychological Stress: The Role of Current Depressive Symptoms. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:170-178. [PMID: 34654025 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathways underlying the early life adversity and cardiovascular reactivity association remain unclear. The current study examined the role of current depressive symptoms on this relationship. METHODS Mediation analyses were conducted using data from 639 participants drawn from the Midlife Development in the United States 2 Biomarker Project. Responses were derived from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Participants had their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and heart rate monitored throughout a standardized stress testing protocol. RESULTS The association between early life adversity and reactivity was mediated by current depressive symptoms; all adversity factors were linked to higher levels of current depressive symptoms, which, in turn, were associated with lower cardiovascular reactivity. For emotional abuse, this was noted for SBP (β = -0.06 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -0.13 to -0.01]) and DBP (β = -0.04 [-0.07 to -0.01]), physical abuse (SBP: β = -0.05 [-0.11 to -0.01]; DBP: β = -0.03 [-0.06 to -0.01]), sexual abuse (SBP: β = -0.04 [-0.09 to -0.01]; DBP: β = -0.02 [-0.05 to -0.01]), emotional neglect (SBP: β = -0.04 [-0.09 to -0.01]; DBP: β = -0.02 [-0.05 to -0.01]), physical neglect (SBP: β = -0.09 [-0.17 to -0.02]; DBP: β = -0.05 [-0.09 to -0.02]), and total Childhood Trauma Questionnaire score (SBP: β = -0.02 [-0.03 to -0.00]; DBP: β = -0.01 [-0.02 to -0.00]). CONCLUSIONS The present findings extend research and demonstrate that depression is an underlying mechanism linking early life adversity and blunted cardiovascular reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey M Keogh
- From the Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory (Keogh, Howard, Gallagher), and Health Research Institute (Keogh, Howard, Gallagher), University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
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10
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Whittaker AC, Ginty A, Hughes BM, Steptoe A, Lovallo WR. Cardiovascular Stress Reactivity and Health: Recent Questions and Future Directions. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:756-766. [PMID: 34297004 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High cardiovascular reactions to psychological stress are associated with the development of hypertension, systemic atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. However, it has become apparent that low biological stress reactivity also may have serious consequences for health, although less is known about the mechanisms of this. The objectives of this narrative review and opinion article are to summarize and consider where we are now in terms of the usefulness of the reactivity hypothesis and reactivity research, given that both ends of the reactivity spectrum seem to be associated with poor health, and to address some of the key criticisms and future challenges for the research area. METHODS This review is authored by the members of a panel discussion held at the American Psychosomatic Society meeting in 2019, which included questions such as the following: How do we measure high and low reactivity? Can high reactivity ever indicate better health? Does low or blunted reactivity simply reflect less effort on task challenges? Where does low reactivity originate from, and what is a low reactor? RESULTS Cardiovascular (and cortisol) stress reactivity are used as a model to demonstrate an increased understanding of the different individual pathways from stress responses to health/disease and show the challenges of how to understand and best use the reconstruction of the long-standing reactivity hypothesis given recent data. CONCLUSIONS This discussion elucidates the gaps in knowledge and key research issues that still remain to be addressed in this field, and that systematic reviews and meta-analyses continue to be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Whittaker
- From the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport (Whittaker), University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience (Ginty), Baylor University, Waco, Texas; School of Psychology (Hughes), National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Institute of Epidemiology & Health (Steptoe), University College London, London, United Kingdom; and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Lovallo), Norman, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and VA Medical Center, Oklahoma
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Wickrama KAS, O’Neal CW. Couple processes of family economic hardship, depressive symptoms, and later-life subjective memory impairment: moderating role of relationship quality. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1666-1675. [PMID: 32349526 PMCID: PMC7643052 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1758917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine a) processes through which family economic hardship (FEH) contributes to spouses' mental health and subsequent subjective memory impairment (SMI) in later years and b) the moderating effect of overall relationship quality on these associations. METHODS With prospective data over 27 years from a sample of 224 husbands and wives in enduring marriages, the present study utilized latent growth curves to identify how FEH trajectories are associated with both spouses' depressive symptoms trajectories across their mid-later years (average age 40-65 years) and subsequent SMI in later life (> 67 years). The moderating role of relationship quality between depressive symptoms and SMI was also examined. RESULTS FEH experiences across the mid-later years (1991-2015) explained variation in husbands' and wives' depressive symptoms trajectories (1994-2015). Change in depressive symptoms was associated with husbands' and wives' SMI in later life (2017) after taking the level of depressive symptoms into account. Spousal dependencies, including partner effects, existed among husbands' and wives' depressive symptoms trajectories and SMI outcomes. Some of these dependencies were moderated by couples' overall relationship quality. CONCLUSION FEH has a persistent influence on husbands' and wives' SMI in later years. Depressive symptoms mediated the influence of FEH on later wellbeing. The findings are discussed as they relate to family systems and life course stress process theories. Implications are addressed at multiple levels including national- and state-policies and clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandauda A. S. Wickrama
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, The University of Georgia, 107 Family Science Center I (House A), Athens, GA 30602
| | - Catherine Walker O’Neal
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, The University of Georgia, 107 Family Science Center II (House D), Athens, GA 30602
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12
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Manser P, Thalmann M, Adcock M, Knols RH, de Bruin ED. Can Reactivity of Heart Rate Variability Be a Potential Biomarker and Monitoring Tool to Promote Healthy Aging? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses. Front Physiol 2021; 12:686129. [PMID: 34393813 PMCID: PMC8359814 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.686129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Monitoring phasic responses of heart rate variability (HRV) in terms of HRV reactivity [i. e., the absolute change from resting state to on-task (i.e., absolute values of HRV measured during exercise)] might provide useful insights into the individual psychophysiological responses of healthy middle-aged to older adults (HOA) to cognitive and physical exercises. Objectives: To summarize the evidence of phasic HRV responses to cognitive and physical exercises, and to evaluate key moderating factors influencing these responses. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analyses was performed. Publications up to May 2020 of the databases Medline (EBSCO), Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Psycinfo, Web of Science, Scopus, and Pedro were considered. Controlled clinical trials and observational studies measuring phasic HRV responses to cognitive and/or physical exercises in HOA (≥50 years) were included. Results: The initial search identified 6,828 articles, of which 43 were included into the systematic review. Compared to resting state, vagally-mediated HRV indices were significantly reduced during all types of exercises [Hedge's g = -0.608, 95 % CI (-0.999 to -0.218), p = 0.002] indicating a significant parasympathetic withdrawal compared to rest. The key moderating variables of these responses identified included exercise intensity for physical exercises, and participant characteristics (i.e., level of cognitive functioning, physical fitness), task demands (i.e., task complexity and modality) and the individual responses to these cognitive challenges for cognitive exercises. In particular, higher task demands (task complexity and physical exercise intensity) were related to larger HRV reactivities. Better physical fitness and cognition were associated with lower HRV reactivities. Additionally, HRV reactivity appeared to be sensitive to training-induced cognitive and neural changes. Conclusion: HRV reactivity seems to be a promising biomarker for monitoring internal training load and evaluating neurobiological effects of training interventions. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential of HRV reactivity as a monitoring parameter to guide cognitive-motor training interventions and/or as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. This may facilitate the early detection of cognitive impairment as well as allow individualized training adaptations that, in turn, support the healthy aging process by optimizing individual exercise dose and progression of cognitive-motor training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Manser
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Movement Control and Learning-Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Thalmann
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Movement Control and Learning-Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Adcock
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Movement Control and Learning-Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruud H Knols
- Research and Education, Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy Research Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Movement Control and Learning-Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Guest AJ, Clemes SA, King JA, Chen YL, Ruettger K, Sayyah M, Sherry A, Varela-Mato V, Paine NJ. Attenuated cardiovascular reactivity is related to higher anxiety and fatigue symptoms in truck drivers. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13872. [PMID: 34086343 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety have been linked with reduced stress-induced cardiovascular reactivity (CVR), which could be indicative of autonomic dysregulation. Less is known about the association between work-related fatigue and CVR. Truck drivers experience high levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, with repeated psychophysiological stressors on the road, yet little is known about the effects of these conditions on their CVR. Three hundred eighty six truck drivers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale (OFER-15). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured at rest and during a stressor protocol to measure CVR. Multivariate regression analyses were used to determine relationships between variables and adjusted for nine key covariates. Higher symptoms of persistent fatigue were related to a reduced SBP reactivity (β = -.236, p = .009) and reduced DBP reactivity (β = -.257, p = .005), whereas there was a positive trend between acute fatigue and DBP reactivity (β = .169, p = .052). Higher symptoms of anxiety were related to a reduced SBP reactivity (β = -.164, p = .016). This study demonstrated in a population of truck drivers that both anxiety and persistent fatigue were related to an attenuated SBP reactivity in a combined model, whereas there was a positive trend between acute fatigue solely and DBP reactivity. These novel findings may have serious implications for cardiovascular disease risk in truck drivers, and future research should attempt to establish the causal effect of these associations and the underlying physiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Guest
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Stacy A Clemes
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - James A King
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Yu-Ling Chen
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Katharina Ruettger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Mohsen Sayyah
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Aron Sherry
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Veronica Varela-Mato
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Nicola J Paine
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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14
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Park J, Carrillo B, Mendes WB. Is vicarious stress functionally adaptive? Perspective-taking modulates the effects of vicarious stress on future firsthand stress. Emotion 2021; 21:1131-1143. [PMID: 34060861 DOI: 10.1037/emo0000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mere observation of others experiencing stress is often sufficient to evoke stress vicariously, especially when people try to understand the situation from the viewpoint of others. Here, we tested whether and how the experience of vicarious stress, facilitated by perspective-taking, would influence individuals' affective and motivational reactions to an upcoming experience of firsthand stress-when they themselves encounter the same stressor in the future. Participants viewed a video clip of another participant undergoing a stressful task (a speech task), after being randomly assigned to take either a first-person perspective of the person (perspective-taking condition; n = 45) or maintain a detached, third-person, observer perspective (objective condition; n = 46). Subsequently, participants were given a surprise speech task and asked to prepare for their own speech for 2 minutes, during which their cardiovascular responses were assessed to differentiate motivational states of challenge or threat. Compared to participants in the objective condition, those in the perspective-taking condition perceived higher levels of stress in anticipation of giving a speech. The heightened stress appraisals, in turn, were associated with a more adaptive pattern of cardiovascular reactivity to the firsthand (relative to vicarious) stressor, characterized as challenge responses (an increase in cardiac output and a decrease in total peripheral resistance). These results suggest that perspective-taking enhances sensitivity to vicarious stress, which in turn, may facilitate preparedness for future stressors. Discussion centers on the functional adaptiveness of vicarious stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Park
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Dallas
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15
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McMahon G, Creaven AM, Gallagher S. Cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress: Attachment styles and invisible stranger support. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 164:121-129. [PMID: 33745962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While the benefits of social support for physiological health are well established, the underlying pathways by which support can influence cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) are still being elucidated. In the present study, we adapted an attachment framework to further explore the support-CVR link. Specifically, we experimentally tested the effect of attachment and social support on CVR by manipulating the provision of invisible support from a stranger, across individuals with secure, anxious and avoidant attachment styles. Employing a 3 × 2 design, a sample of young adults (N = 138) from across each of the three attachment styles were randomly assigned to either an invisible support (from a stranger), or no support, condition. All participants were subject to an acute standardised stress testing protocol where cardiovascular indices were monitored throughout. Results from a factorial ANOVA showed no significant interaction between support and attachment on any cardiovascular reactivity parameter (SBP, DBP, HR) or any main effect of attachment or support. These findings suggest that, in this case, social support was not effective in buffering the effects of stress across various attachment styles. The benefits of incorporating a developmental perspective to the study of social support and health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McMahon
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Ann-Marie Creaven
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
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16
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Llabre MM. Insight Into the Hispanic Paradox: The Language Hypothesis. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2021; 16:1324-1336. [PMID: 33621473 DOI: 10.1177/1745691620968765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hispanics have a lower burden of heart disease than would be predicted from their risk factors. Explanations for this phenomenon, the Hispanic paradox, focus on specific characteristics of the culture that affect stress appraisal and accumulation, including social connections. Features of culture evolve in the context of language, which influences the way emotions are appraised and expressed. The Spanish language, a unifying component defining Hispanic cultures, has unique features that may promote emotional expression, expand the emotional concepts implicated in the construction of emotion, and influence the appraisal of stress. Under chronic stress conditions, sustained responses can become maladaptive, leading to disease. Features of the Spanish language allow its speakers a wide range of emotion schemas by virtue of its emotion lexicon, the ability to easily minimize or exaggerate expressions, and ease in considering hypothetical situations with the use of the subjunctive. The hypothesis here proposes that the Spanish language is directly and indirectly (via culture) responsible for mitigating some of the effects of acute stress responses in Hispanics and, therefore, limits stress accumulation and is partly responsible for the Hispanic paradox.
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17
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May RW, Fincham FD, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Firulescu L. Forgiveness: protecting medical residents from the detrimental relationship between workplace bullying and wellness. Stress 2021; 24:19-28. [PMID: 32063074 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1729733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bullying of medical residents is associated with numerous negative psychological and physiological outcomes. As bullying within this demographic grows, there is increased interest in identifying novel protective factors. Accordingly, this research investigated whether interpersonal forgiveness buffers the relationship between two forms of workplace bullying and indices of well-being. Medical residents (N = 134, 62% males) completed measures assessing person and work-related bullying victimization, dispositional forgiveness, and depressive symptoms and underwent a series of cardiovascular assessments during which cardiovascular reactivity was induced by a 3-min serial subtraction math task. It was hypothesized that the tendency to forgive would be negatively related to bullying victimization and that forgiveness would reduce the association of bullying with psychological distress (i.e. depressive symptoms), cognition errors (i.e. incorrect serial subtraction computations), and exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity and recovery. Findings show that forgiveness reduced the harmful relationship between the two forms of workplace bullying and depressive symptoms, serial subtraction errors, and cardiovascular reactivity and recovery for systolic blood pressure (SBP). Study results suggest that forgiveness may serve as an effective means for reducing the outcomes of bullying for medical residents. Implications for forgiveness interventions are discussed. Lay summary This research demonstrated that forgiveness reduced the harmful relationship between bullying victimization and negative outcomes (i.e. depressive symptoms, subtraction errors, and exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity and recovery for SBP) in medical residents. This study suggests that forgiveness may serve as a protective factor and provide an effective means for reducing the negative association between workplace bullying and negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W May
- Family Institute, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Frank D Fincham
- Family Institute, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Lidia Firulescu
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL, USA
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18
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DuPont CM, Wright AGC, Manuck SB, Muldoon MF, Jennings JR, Gianaros PJ. Is stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity a pathway linking positive and negative emotionality to preclinical cardiovascular disease risk? Psychophysiology 2020; 58:e13741. [PMID: 33278305 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity, trait positive emotionality, and negative emotionality are all associated with cardiovascular disease. It is unknown, however, whether cardiovascular reactivity may constitute a pathway by which trait positive or negative emotionality relates to disease risk. Accordingly, this study modeled the cross-sectional relationships between trait positive and negative emotionality, stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity, and severity of a subclinical vascular marker of cardiovascular risk, carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT). The sample consisted of healthy, midlife adults free from clinical cardiovascular disease (N = 286; ages 30-54; 50% female). Trait positive and negative emotionality were measured by three questionnaires. Heart rate and blood pressure reactivity were assessed across three stressor tasks. CA-IMT was assessed by ultrasonography. Latent factors of positive and negative emotionality, blood pressure reactivity, heart rate reactivity, and CA-IMT were created using structural equation modeling. Greater negative emotionality was marginally associated with more CA-IMT (β = .21; p = .049), but lower blood pressure reactivity (β = -.19; p = .03). However, heightened blood pressure (β = .21; p = .03), but not heart rate reactivity (β = -.05; p = .75), associated with greater CA-IMT. Positive emotionality was uncorrelated with cardiovascular reactivity (blood pressure: β = -.04; p = .61; heart rate: β = .16; p = .11) and CA-IMT (β = .16; p = .07). Although trait negative emotionality associates with a known marker of cardiovascular disease risk, independent of positive emotionality, it is unlikely to occur via a stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M DuPont
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aidan G C Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen B Manuck
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew F Muldoon
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Richard Jennings
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter J Gianaros
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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19
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Ritz T, Schulz SM, Rosenfield D, Wright RJ, Bosquet Enlow M. Cardiac sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal during psychosocial stress exposure in 6-month-old infants. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13673. [PMID: 33048371 PMCID: PMC8548071 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Infant autonomic reactivity to stress is a potential predictor of later life health complications, but research has not sufficiently examined sympathetic activity, controlled for effects of physical activity and respiration, or studied associations among autonomic adjustments, cardiac activity, and affect in infants. We studied 278 infants during the repeated Still-Face Paradigm, a standardized stressor, while monitoring cardiac activity (ECG) and respiratory pattern (respiratory inductance plethysmography). Video ratings of physical activity and affect were also performed. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and T-wave amplitude (TWA) served as noninvasive indicators of cardiac parasympathetic and sympathetic activity, respectively. Responses were compared between infants who completed two still-face exposures and those who terminated after one exposure due to visible distress. Findings, controlled for physical activity, showed robust reductions in respiration-adjusted RSA and TWA, with more tonic attenuation of TWA. Infants completing only one still-face trial showed more pronounced autonomic changes and less recovery from stress. They also showed elevated minute ventilation, suggesting hyperventilation. Both reductions in adjusted RSA and TWA contributed equally to heart rate changes and were associated with higher negative and lower positive affect. These associations were more robust in the group of distressed infants unable to complete both still-face trials. Thus, cardiac sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal are part of the infant stress response, beyond associated physical activity and respiration changes. Their association with cardiac chronotropy and affect increases as infants' distress level increases. This excess reactivity to social stress should be examined as a predictor of future cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ritz
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stefan M. Schulz
- Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - David Rosenfield
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Keogh TM, Howard S, O'Riordan A, Gallagher S. Motivational orientation mediates the association between depression and cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress. Psychophysiology 2020; 58:e13732. [PMID: 33252783 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent theoretical developments in cardiovascular reactivity research suggest the association between depression and blunted reactions to stress is linked to motivational factors. Thus, the present study aimed to test whether the association between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress was mediated by motivation; be it intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. One hundred and eighty-two healthy young adults completed measures of motivation (Global Motivation Scale; GMS), and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS) and had their blood pressure and heart rate monitored throughout a standardised stress testing protocol. Results indicated that depression was negatively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) reactions to the stress task (all ps < .05), such that those who reported higher depressive symptomology displayed a blunted response. Furthermore this relationship was mediated by intrinsic, but not extrinsic motivation; the blunted responses were less pronounced through intrinsic motivation. The present findings add extensively to existing research and confirm that motivation is an underlying mechanism linking depression and cardiovascular reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey M Keogh
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Howard
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Adam O'Riordan
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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21
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Whittaker AC, Chauntry AJ. Blunted cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress predicts low behavioral but not self-reported perseverance: A replication study. Psychophysiology 2020; 58:e13707. [PMID: 33068034 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with poor behavioral perseverance show low or blunted physiological responses to acute psychological stress. For example, a recent preliminary laboratory study demonstrated that blunted responders give up sooner and take fewer attempts when endeavoring to complete an impossible puzzle, but do not self-report poor perseverance. This present research is a replication of the previous study with an increased sample size, longer recovery periods between tasks and addition of social evaluation to the cold pressor. Participants (147) completed a self-report perseverance questionnaire (Short Grit Scale) and behavioral perseverance tasks (impossible Euler puzzle and socially evaluated cold-pressor (SECPT)). The number of attempts and time spent trying to complete the unsolvable puzzle, and duration of hand submergent during the SECPT, were recorded as behavioral perseverance measures. Difference in blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) from baseline to a 10-min paced auditory serial addition task (PASAT) were computed as reactivity. As previously, reactivity did not relate to self-reported perseverance and blunted BP reactivity to the PASAT was associated with less time persevering at the unsolvable puzzle. Additionally, blunted BP and PR reactivity to the PASAT related to poorer perseverance during the SECPT. These findings, replicating the previous study, increase confidence that blunted reactivity is a physiological marker of poor behavioral perseverance. Moreover, given that self-reported perseverance does not relate to reactivity, this suggests that blunted responders are not conscious of this detriment in perseverance, but likely need additional support when persistence is critical (e.g., during behavior change).
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Whittaker
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - A J Chauntry
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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22
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Cross A, Naughton F, Sheffield D. What is the role of stress cardiovascular reactivity in health behaviour change? A systematic review, meta-analysis and research agenda. Psychol Health 2020; 36:1021-1040. [PMID: 32998581 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1825714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The stress reactivity hypothesis posits that the extremes of exaggerated and low or blunted cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to stress may lead to adverse health outcomes via psychophysiological pathways. A potential indirect pathway between CVR and disease outcomes is through health-related behaviour and behaviour change. However, this is a less well understood pathway. Design: A registered systematic review was undertaken to determine the association between cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) and health behaviour change, as well as identify mediators and moderators. Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria, focused on smoking cessation and weight loss, were identified. Results: Pooling data from studies exploring the prospective relationship between CVR (as systolic blood pressure) and smoking cessation found that exaggerated CVR was associated with smoking relapse (Hedges' g = 0.39, SE = 0.00, 95% CI 0.38 - 0.40, p < .001; I2 = 0%; N = 257) but did not find evidence that CVR responses were associated with changes in weight. In order to advance our understanding of reactivity as a modifiable determinant of health behaviour change, our review recommends exploring the association between CVR and other health behaviours, to determine the influence of blunted reactivity versus low motivational effort identify mediators and moderators and determine the focus of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainslea Cross
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Felix Naughton
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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23
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Self-Reported Sensory Gating and Stress-Related Hypertension. Nurs Res 2020; 69:339-346. [PMID: 32865945 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence views hypertension as a stress-induced disorder. Stressors must be "gated" by the brain before any inflammatory or immune processes that contribute to hypertension are initiated. No studies were found that examined sensory gating in relation to hypertension. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine if disturbances in self-reported sensory gating could differentiate normotensive from hypertensive young adults. METHODS A nonmatched, case-control design was used. We administered an online survey to 163 young adult participants. Participants were predominantly female, in their mid-20s, well educated, and approximately evenly distributed by race and hypertension status. The Sensory Gating Inventory (SGI) measured gating disturbances. RESULTS The mean SGI scores were significantly higher among persons diagnosed with hypertension, reflecting a moderate effect size of sensory gating. After adjusting for confounders, however, the normotensive and hypertensive groups were not significantly different on their SGI scores. DISCUSSION With an observed moderate effect size of 0.35, but low power, more research is warranted regarding the role of gating disturbances in the development of stress-induced hypertension. Clinically, the SGI may be important for screening patients who would benefit from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to identify persons with masked hypertension.
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Bahari A, Hasani J, Mashhadi Akbar Boojar M. Childhood trauma and type D personality: The endocrine and cardiovascular effects on stress reactivity. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2861-2875. [PMID: 32588643 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320934181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both exaggerated and blunted cardiovascular stress reactions are associated with health problems. Moreover, early life experiences and personality traits affect stress responses. Regarding the childhood traumas and type D personality, this study aimed to compare the endocrine and cardiovascular reactions against acute laboratory stress. Results showed that the simultaneous existence of childhood traumatic experiences and type D personality leads to exaggerated stress reactivity, while each factor results in a blunted cardiovascular response. Although the cardiovascular responses are dampened in type D personality people, their endocrine reactions are exaggerated. The underlying mechanisms of blunted cardiovascular reactivity differ between childhood trauma and type D personality groups.
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25
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John-Henderson NA, Gruman HE, Counts CJ, Ginty AT. American Indian young adults display diminished cardiovascular and cortisol responses to acute psychological stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 114:104583. [PMID: 32000056 PMCID: PMC7096252 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
American Indian adults are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease compared with non-Hispanic white adults. Scant research exists examining the underlying physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with these risks. This study aimed to examine possible psychological and physiological stress-related mechanisms related to cardiovascular disease risk in healthy American Indian and non-Hispanic white adults. Forty American Indian (60% female, Mean age = 19.93, SD = 2.08 years) and 45 non-Hispanic white (70% female, Mean age = 20.18, SD = 2.22 years) participants attended an in-person laboratory session. Salivary cortisol and cardiovascular activity were measured before (baseline), during, and after exposure to a 10-minute mental arithmetic task. Compared to non-Hispanic white participants, American Indian had diminished salivary cortisol (p < .001), blood pressure (p's < .001), and heart rate (p = .041) responses to acute psychological stress. These effects could not be accounted for by differences in task performance or self-reported engagement. Previous research has shown that exaggerated responses to stress are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, diminished responses to stress are associated with early childhood stress and future adverse behaviors (e.g., addiction, obesity). Diminished reactivity may influence behaviors that can impact future development of cardiovascular disease in American Indian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Annie T. Ginty
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Baylor University
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Armario A, Labad J, Nadal R. Focusing attention on biological markers of acute stressor intensity: Empirical evidence and limitations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:95-103. [PMID: 31954151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
ARMARIO, A, J. Labad and R. Nadal. Focusing attention on biological markers of acute stressor intensity: empirical evidence and limitations. NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS. The availability of biological markers that objectively quantify stress is a highly relevant issue. However, experimental evidence suggests that most physiological changes elicited by emotional stressors do not reflect their intensity and are not useful for this purpose. Thus, we review experimental evidence in animals and humans about the putative validity of neuroendocrine and sympathetic/parasympathetic variables to measure stress. Plasma levels of some hormones (e.g. ACTH, glucocorticoids, prolactin and catecholamines) have been found to reflect, at least under certain conditions, the intensity of emotional stressors in animals and probably in humans. However, the temporal resolution of hormone changes is insufficient to reflect the very dynamic psychological processes taking place while experiencing stressors. Cardiovascular parameters (e.g. heart rate and blood pressure) have much better temporal resolution but their validity as markers of stressor intensity either in animals or humans is problematic. Skin conductance and pupil dilation appear to be promising. Additional and more systematic studies are needed to demonstrate the actual validity of stress-induced physiological changes to quantify stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit (Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
| | - Javier Labad
- CIBERSAM, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain; Psicobiology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Spain
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27
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McMahon G, Creaven A, Gallagher S. Perceived social support mediates the association between attachment and cardiovascular reactivity in young adults. Psychophysiology 2019; 57:e13496. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grace McMahon
- Department of Psychology Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
- Health Research Institute University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
| | - Ann‐Marie Creaven
- Department of Psychology Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
- Health Research Institute University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Department of Psychology Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
- Health Research Institute University of Limerick Limerick Ireland
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Oskis A, Smyth N, Flynn M, Clow A. Repressors exhibit lower cortisol reactivity to group psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:33-40. [PMID: 30639935 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Repressors are well-known to monitor potential psychosocial threats to their self-esteem and self-concept. In research, repressors are traditionally categorised as those scoring low on trait anxiety and high on defensiveness (as measured by social desirability scales). Examining repressors' cortisol reactivity to a group socio-evaluative laboratory stressor could be an important way to extend work on the classic 'repressor dissociation', which proposes that this group experience higher levels of physiological stress, but lower levels of subjective affect, during stressful situations. Research however has focused mainly on repressors' higher, more risk-prone levels of autonomic, rather than hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), reactivity to stressful stimuli. We assessed cortisol reactivity using a group-based acute psychosocial stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test for groups (TSST-G), which required participants to individually perform public speaking and mental arithmetic tasks in front of up to six other group members, as well as an evaluative panel of judges. Seventy-seven healthy young females (mean age ± SD: 20.2 ± 3.2 years) took part, of which 64 met the conventional criterion for a response to the TSST-G (<15.5% increase from baseline sample). The Stress-Arousal Checklist was completed pre- and post-TSST-G. Participants also completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. The latter two measures were used to provide a categorisation of repressive coping style. Participants identified as repressive copers exhibited significantly lower cortisol reactivity during the TSST-G. Repressors also self-reported less subjective stress. These findings provide some evidence against the notion of the repressor dissociation and are discussed in terms of how cortisol hyporeactivity may be a pathway through which repressive coping adversely affects health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oskis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK.
| | - N Smyth
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - M Flynn
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - A Clow
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
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Walton SL, Tjongue M, Tare M, Kwok E, Probyn M, Parkington HC, Bertram JF, Moritz KM, Denton KM. Chronic low alcohol intake during pregnancy programs sex-specific cardiovascular deficits in rats. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 31010438 PMCID: PMC6477739 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to an adverse environment in early life can have lifelong consequences for risk of cardiovascular disease. Maternal alcohol (ethanol) intake is common and associated with a variety of harmful effects to the fetus. However, examining the effects on the cardiovascular system in adult offspring has largely been neglected. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of chronic, low ethanol consumption throughout pregnancy on blood pressure, vascular reactivity and wall stiffness, all key determinants of cardiovascular health, in both male and female rat offspring. Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an ad libitum liquid diet ± 6% vol/vol ethanol throughout pregnancy. Male and female offspring were studied at 12 months of age. Arterial pressure, heart rate and locomotor activity were measured over 7 days via radiotelemetry. Renal lobar arteries were isolated and studied using wire and pressure myography. Results Basal mean arterial pressure in female ethanol-exposed rats was reduced by ~ 5–6 mmHg compared to control female offspring, whereas arterial pressure was unaffected in male offspring. Ethanol-exposed offspring had an attenuated pressor response to an acute restraint stress, with this effect most evident in females. Renal artery function was not affected by prenatal ethanol exposure. Conclusions We show for the first time that low level chronic maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy influences arterial pressure in adult offspring in the absence of fetal growth restriction. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13293-019-0235-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Walton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa Tjongue
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash Rural Health, Churchill, VIC, Australia
| | - Edmund Kwok
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Probyn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | - John F Bertram
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Kidney Developmental Programming and Disease Laboratory, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Cardiac and behavioral effects of social isolation and experimental manipulation of autonomic balance. Auton Neurosci 2018; 214:1-8. [PMID: 30177218 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Improved understanding of how depression and social isolation interact to increase cardiac morbidity and mortality will improve public health. This experiment evaluated the effect of pharmacological autonomic blockade on cardiac and behavioral reactivity following social isolation in prairie voles. Experiment 1 validated the dose and time course of pharmacological autonomic antagonism of peripheral β-adrenergic (atenolol) and muscarinic cholinergic receptors (atropine methyl nitrate), and Experiment 2 used a novel protocol to investigate behavioral responses in the tail suspension test during pharmacological autonomic blockade as a function of social isolation (vs. paired control). Prairie voles isolated for 4 weeks (vs. paired) displayed significantly elevated heart rate and reduced heart rate variability. Autonomic receptor antagonism by atenolol led to exaggerated reductions in heart rate and standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, and lower amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia in the isolated group (vs. paired). Administration of atropine led to an attenuated increase in heart rate in the isolated group (vs. paired), and similar near-zero levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia amplitude in both groups. During the tail suspension test, isolated animals (vs. paired) displayed significantly greater immobility. In paired animals, atenolol administration did not influence immobility; atropine administration increased the duration of immobility (vs. vehicle). In isolated animals, atenolol administration increased the duration of immobility; atropine did not influence immobility duration (vs. vehicle). The current study contributes to our understanding of differential effects of social isolation and autonomic imbalance on cardiac and behavioral reactivity.
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The effect of gestational period on the association between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 94:49-62. [PMID: 29754005 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies exploring the relations between maternal stress and fetal development show an association between increased maternal stress and adverse birth outcomes. A frequently proposed mechanism linking maternal prenatal stress and adverse birth outcomes is heightened concentrations of maternal cortisol. To date, studies exploring this association have reported conflicting results because of the diverse approaches taken to measuring cortisol and the wide variety of possible birth outcomes explored. To add clarity to the growing body of literature, this systematic review and meta-analysis reports empirical findings on the association between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. METHODS Searches for relevant papers published up until November 2017 were run in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Non-English language papers were included and experts were contacted when necessary. We included data from human observational studies that were designed or had an underlying intention to measure maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. We only included data from measurements of salivary cortisol to prevent rendering of the review unsuitable for meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and quality. For every maternal-fetal dyad, an area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) of maternal cortisol was calculated to determine a Pearson's correlation coefficient with a continuous measure of newborn birth weight. Correlation coefficients were then pooled across all stages of gestation. To examine if there are critical gestational periods in which the fetus may be more susceptible to elevated concentration of maternal salivary cortisol, a meta-analysis was performed on separate correlations calculated from gestational trimesters. RESULTS Nine studies with a total of 1606 maternal-fetal dyads demonstrated a negative correlation between pooled maternal salivary cortisol and birth weight (-0.24, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.20), but there was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 88.9%). To investigate heterogeneity, subgroup analysis by trimester of the pooled correlation between salivary cortisol and birth weight was performed with the following correlations found: first trimester, -0.18 (95% CI -0.32 to -0.03, I2 = 97.3%); second trimester, -0.20 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.12, I2 = 98.3%); and third trimester, -0.30 (95% CI -0.33 to -0.26, I2 = 85.4%). DISCUSSION A consistently negative association was observed between maternal cortisol and infant birth weight. The review highlights specific gaps in the literature on the relationship between maternal prenatal salivary cortisol and newborn birth weight. Although a significant negative correlation was found, substantial heterogeneity of effects and the likelihood of publication bias exist. The third trimester was revealed as a possible critical gestational period for heightened maternal cortisol concentration to affect birth weight. Challenges faced in this body of research and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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32
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Cieslak M, Ryan WS, Babenko V, Erro H, Rathbun ZM, Meiring W, Kelsey RM, Blascovich J, Grafton ST. Quantifying rapid changes in cardiovascular state with a moving ensemble average. Psychophysiology 2017; 55. [PMID: 28972674 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
MEAP, the moving ensemble analysis pipeline, is a new open-source tool designed to perform multisubject preprocessing and analysis of cardiovascular data, including electrocardiogram (ECG), impedance cardiogram (ICG), and continuous blood pressure (BP). In addition to traditional ensemble averaging, MEAP implements a moving ensemble averaging method that allows for the continuous estimation of indices related to cardiovascular state, including cardiac output, preejection period, heart rate variability, and total peripheral resistance, among others. Here, we define the moving ensemble technique mathematically, highlighting its differences from fixed-window ensemble averaging. We describe MEAP's interface and features for signal processing, artifact correction, and cardiovascular-based fMRI analysis. We demonstrate the accuracy of MEAP's novel B point detection algorithm on a large collection of hand-labeled ICG waveforms. As a proof of concept, two subjects completed a series of four physical and cognitive tasks (cold pressor, Valsalva maneuver, video game, random dot kinetogram) on 3 separate days while ECG, ICG, and BP were recorded. Critically, the moving ensemble method reliably captures the rapid cyclical cardiovascular changes related to the baroreflex during the Valsalva maneuver and the classic cold pressor response. Cardiovascular measures were seen to vary considerably within repetitions of the same cognitive task for each individual, suggesting that a carefully designed paradigm could be used to capture fast-acting event-related changes in cardiovascular state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Cieslak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - William S Ryan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Viktoriya Babenko
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Hannah Erro
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Zoe M Rathbun
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Wendy Meiring
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | | | - Jim Blascovich
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Scott T Grafton
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
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Möller CM, Olsa EJA, Ginty AT, Rapelje AL, Tindall CL, Holesh LA, Petersen KL, Conklin SM. Influence of Acute Multispecies and Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Cardiovascular Function and Reactivity to Psychological Stress in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Psychosom Med 2017; 79:914-919. [PMID: 28498275 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The potential influence of probiotic supplementation on cardiovascular health and stress responsivity remains largely unexplored. Some evidence suggests the possibility that probiotics may influence blood pressure. A separate body of research suggests that exaggerated cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress in the laboratory predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The current investigation explored the effect of acute probiotic use on (1) resting cardiovascular measures in healthy young adults and (2) cardiovascular and psychological reactions to an acute psychological stressor in the laboratory. METHOD Participants (N = 105, M [SD] age = 20.17 [1.26], 84.8% white) completed a 2-week, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial of a multispecies and multistrain probiotic. Exclusion criteria included previous probiotic use, diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, and/or current antibiotic use. At visits 1 and 2, participants completed the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, a widely used psychological stress task. Participants were randomly assigned to a probiotic blend or matched placebo. RESULTS Compared with placebo, 2-week probiotic supplementation did not affect resting measures of cardiovascular function, cardiovascular responses during or recovery from stress, or psychological reactions to acute psychological stress. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, short-term use of a probiotic supplement in healthy participants did not influence measures of cardiovascular function or responsivity to psychological stress. Future research is needed to determine species- and strain-specific effects of probiotics in healthy participants with various degrees of stress responsiveness, as well as in diseased populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara M Möller
- From the Neuroscience Program (Möller, Olsa, Tindall, Holesh, Conklin), Psychology Department (Möller, Olsa, Rapelje, Tindall, Holesh, Conklin), Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania; School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences (Möller), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience (Ginty), Baylor University, Waco, Texas; and Department of Psychology and Sociology (Petersen), College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
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Michael S, Graham KS, Davis GM. Cardiac Autonomic Responses during Exercise and Post-exercise Recovery Using Heart Rate Variability and Systolic Time Intervals-A Review. Front Physiol 2017; 8:301. [PMID: 28611675 PMCID: PMC5447093 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac parasympathetic activity may be non-invasively investigated using heart rate variability (HRV), although HRV is not widely accepted to reflect sympathetic activity. Instead, cardiac sympathetic activity may be investigated using systolic time intervals (STI), such as the pre-ejection period. Although these autonomic indices are typically measured during rest, the “reactivity hypothesis” suggests that investigating responses to a stressor (e.g., exercise) may be a valuable monitoring approach in clinical and high-performance settings. However, when interpreting these indices it is important to consider how the exercise dose itself (i.e., intensity, duration, and modality) may influence the response. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to review the literature regarding how the exercise dosage influences these autonomic indices during exercise and acute post-exercise recovery. There are substantial methodological variations throughout the literature regarding HRV responses to exercise, in terms of exercise protocols and HRV analysis techniques. Exercise intensity is the primary factor influencing HRV, with a greater intensity eliciting a lower HRV during exercise up to moderate-high intensity, with minimal change observed as intensity is increased further. Post-exercise, a greater preceding intensity is associated with a slower HRV recovery, although the dose-response remains unclear. A longer exercise duration has been reported to elicit a lower HRV only during low-moderate intensity and when accompanied by cardiovascular drift, while a small number of studies have reported conflicting results regarding whether a longer duration delays HRV recovery. “Modality” has been defined multiple ways, with limited evidence suggesting exercise of a greater muscle mass and/or energy expenditure may delay HRV recovery. STI responses during exercise and recovery have seldom been reported, although limited data suggests that intensity is a key determining factor. Concurrent monitoring of HRV and STI may be a valuable non-invasive approach to investigate autonomic stress reactivity; however, this integrative approach has not yet been applied with regards to exercise stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Michael
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of SydneySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenneth S Graham
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of SydneySydney, NSW, Australia.,New South Wales Institute of SportSydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Glen M Davis
- Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of SydneySydney, NSW, Australia
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Howard S, Creaven AM, Hughes BM, O’Leary ÉD, James JE. Perceived social support predicts lower cardiovascular reactivity to stress in older adults. Biol Psychol 2017; 125:70-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ginty AT, Kraynak TE, Fisher JP, Gianaros PJ. Cardiovascular and autonomic reactivity to psychological stress: Neurophysiological substrates and links to cardiovascular disease. Auton Neurosci 2017; 207:2-9. [PMID: 28391987 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Psychologically stressful experiences evoke changes in cardiovascular physiology that may influence risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). But what are the neural circuits and intermediate physiological pathways that link stressful experiences to cardiovascular changes that might in turn confer disease risk? This question is important because it has broader implications for our understanding of the neurophysiological pathways that link stressful and other psychological experiences to physical health. This review highlights selected findings from brain imaging studies of stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity and CVD risk. Converging evidence across these studies complements animal models and patient lesion studies to suggest that a network of cortical, limbic, and brainstem areas for central autonomic and physiological control are important for generating and regulating stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity via visceromotor and viscerosensory mechanisms. Emerging evidence further suggests that these brain areas may play a role in stress-related CVD risk, specifically by their involvement in mediating metabolically-dysregulated or extreme stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactions. Contextually, the research reviewed here offers an example of how brain imaging and health neuroscience methods can be integrated to address open and mechanistic questions about the neurophysiological pathways linking psychological stress and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Thomas E Kraynak
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James P Fisher
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabiliation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Peter J Gianaros
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Howard S, Myers LB, Hughes BM. Repressive coping and cardiovascular reactivity to novel and recurrent stress. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 30:562-574. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1274027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán Howard
- Department of Psychology, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lynn B. Myers
- Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Brian M. Hughes
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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38
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Corticolimbic regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress. Physiol Behav 2016; 172:49-59. [PMID: 27793557 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death worldwide, is frequently initiated or exacerbated by stress. In fact, chronic stress exposure and heightened reactions to acute psychological stress are both associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. This brief review focuses on the mechanisms by which corticolimbic nuclei, critical for stress appraisal and emotional reactivity, regulate heart rate and blood pressure responses to psychological stress. Both human and rodent data are examined with a major emphasis on basic studies investigating prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. A detailed literature review reveals substantial limitations in our understanding of this circuitry, as well as significant opportunities for future investigation that may ultimately reduce the burden of cardiovascular illness.
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Mayer KN, Ghadri JR, Jaguszewski M, Scherff F, Saguner AM, Kazemian E, Baumann CR, Jenewein J, Tsakiris M, Lüscher TF, Brugger P, Templin C. Takotsubo syndrome – A close connection to the brain: A prospective study investigating neuropsychiatric traits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcme.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ahonen L, Cowley B, Torniainen J, Ukkonen A, Vihavainen A, Puolamäki K. Cognitive Collaboration Found in Cardiac Physiology: Study in Classroom Environment. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159178. [PMID: 27416036 PMCID: PMC4944990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that periods of intense social interaction result in shared patterns in collaborators' physiological signals. However, applied quantitative research on collaboration is hindered due to scarcity of objective metrics of teamwork effectiveness. Indeed, especially in the domain of productive, ecologically-valid activity such as programming, there is a lack of evidence for the most effective, affordable and reliable measures of collaboration quality. In this study we investigate synchrony in physiological signals between collaborating computer science students performing pair-programming exercises in a class room environment. We recorded electrocardiography over the course of a 60 minute programming session, using lightweight physiological sensors. We employ correlation of heart-rate variability features to study social psychophysiological compliance of the collaborating students. We found evident physiological compliance in collaborating dyads' heart-rate variability signals. Furthermore, dyads' self-reported workload was associated with the physiological compliance. Our results show viability of a novel approach to field measurement using lightweight devices in an uncontrolled environment, and suggest that self-reported collaboration quality can be assessed via physiological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Ahonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Benjamin Cowley
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Antti Ukkonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arto Vihavainen
- Department of Computer Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kai Puolamäki
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Jakubiak BK, Feeney BC. Affectionate Touch to Promote Relational, Psychological, and Physical Well-Being in Adulthood: A Theoretical Model and Review of the Research. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2016; 21:228-252. [DOI: 10.1177/1088868316650307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the life span, individuals engage in affectionate touch with close others. Touch receipt promotes well-being in infancy, but the impacts of touch in adult close relationships have been largely unexplored. In this article, we propose that affectionate touch receipt promotes relational, psychological, and physical well-being in adulthood, and we present a theoretical mechanistic model to explain why affectionate touch may promote these outcomes. The model includes pathways through which touch could affect well-being by reducing stress and by promoting well-being independent of stress. Specifically, two immediate outcomes of affectionate touch receipt—relational-cognitive changes and neurobiological changes—are described as important mechanisms underlying the effects of affectionate touch on well-being. We also review and evaluate the existing research linking affectionate touch to well-being in adulthood and propose an agenda to advance research in this area. This theoretical perspective provides a foundation for future work on touch in adult close relationships.
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Meyburgh D, Malan L, Van Rooyen JM, Potgieter JC. Cardiovascular, cortisol and coping responses in urban Africans: the SAPBA study. Cardiovasc J Afr 2016; 23:28-33. [PMID: 22331248 PMCID: PMC3721911 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2010-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the relationships between progression of target-organ damage and cardiovascular, cortisol and coping responses in black urban Africans. Methods Urban black African gender groups (n = 200) aged 21–62 years from the Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans study were stratified into normotensive and hypertensive groups. Resting and reactivity Finometer blood pressure, fasting sodium fluoride glucose and salivary cortisol values were obtained before and after applying the Stroop and cold pressor tests. Coping strategies were determined and high-resolution ultrasound carotid intima–media scans were done to determine progression of target-organ damage. Results A trend of high-normal resting cortisol values during sampling time 1 was demonstrated in all hypertensive men. Both hypertensive gender groups showed increased vascular responses during both mental stressors. During the cold pressor test, vascular responses predicted sub-clinical atherosclerosis in all hypertensive men, independent of sampling time. Conclusion Early morning vascular responses in all the hypertensive men could have occurred secondarily to the permissive effect of cortisol on norepinephrine secretion, with subsequent α-adrenergic vasoconstriction. Their α-adrenergic vascular responses during the cold pressor test, however, predicted sub-clinical atherosclerosis, independent of sampling time and cortisol level.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Meyburgh
- School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Blunted cardiac stress reactors exhibit relatively high levels of behavioural impulsivity. Physiol Behav 2016; 159:40-4. [PMID: 26988282 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blunted physiological reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with a range of adverse health and behavioural outcomes. This study examined whether extreme stress reactors differ in their behavioural impulsivity. Individuals showing blunted (N=23) and exaggerated (N=23) cardiovascular reactions to stress were selected by screening a healthy student population (N=276). Behavioural impulsivity was measured via inhibitory control and motor impulsivity tasks. Blunted reactors exhibited greater impulsivity than exaggerated reactors on both stop-signal, F(1,41)=4.99, p=0.03, ηp(2)=0.108, and circle drawing, F(1,43)=4.00, p=0.05, η p(2)=0.085, tasks. Individuals showing blunted cardiovascular stress reactions are characterized by greater impulsivity which may contribute to their increased susceptibility to outcomes such as obesity and addiction.
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Wang MY, Chiu CH, Lee HC, Su CT, Tsai PS. Cardiovascular Reactivity in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder With High- or Low-Level Depressive Symptoms. Biol Res Nurs 2015; 18:221-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800415596227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression increases the risk of adverse cardiac events. Cardiovascular reactivity is defined as the pattern of cardiovascular responses to mental stress. An altered pattern of cardiovascular reactivity is an indicator of subsequent cardiovascular disease. Because depression and adverse cardiac events may have a dose-dependent association, this study examined the differences in cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with high depression levels and those with low depression levels. Moreover, autonomic nervous system regulation is a highly plausible biological mechanism for the pattern of cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress. The association between cardiovascular reactivity and parameters of heart rate variability (HRV), an index for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity modulation, was thus examined. This study included 88 patients with MDD. HRV was measured before stress induction. The Stroop Color and Word Test and mirror star-tracing task were used to induce mental stress. We observed no significant association between depressive symptom level and any of the cardiovascular reactivity parameters. Cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress was comparable between patients with MDD with high-level depressive symptoms and those with low-level depressive symptoms. After adjusting for confounding variables, the high-frequency domain of HRV was found to be an independent predictor of the magnitude of heart rate reactivity (β = −.33, p = .002). In conclusion, the magnitude of cardiovascular reactivity may be independent of depression severity in patients with MDD. The autonomic regulation of cardiovascular responses to mental stress primarily influences heart rate reactivity in patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Yeh Wang
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Huan Chiu
- Department of Community Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chien Lee
- Department of Psychiatry & Sleep Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Tien Su
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Tsai
- Graduate Institutes of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Sleep Science Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Roemmich JN, Lambiase MJ, Balantekin KN, Feda DM, Dorn J. Stress, behavior, and biology: risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in youth. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2015; 42:145-52. [PMID: 25061998 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychological stress reactivity is associated with atherogenesis in youth. The novel hypothesis is that stress promotes atherogenic behaviors, including snacking on energy-dense food and reducing physical activity, and increases adiposity. Stress also increases systolic blood pressure cardiovascular reactivity, which also may be atherogenic. Exercise dampens stress reactivity and may be one mechanism by which it protects against the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Roemmich
- 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY; 2USDA, ARS, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Center, Grand Forks, ND; and 3Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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Mohiyeddini C, Bauer S, Semple S. Neuroticism and stress: the role of displacement behavior. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2015; 28:391-407. [PMID: 25599405 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2014.1000878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Neuroticism is linked with an impaired ability to cope with stress and is an important risk factor for stress-related disorders. Hence, there is interest in exploring the behavioral correlates of neuroticism and how such behaviors may moderate the link between neuroticism and the response to stress. Displacement behavior - activity such as face touching and scratching - is important to investigate in this respect, as recent studies indicate that such behavior is linked to negative emotional states and has an important stress coping function. Here, we explored the relationship between neuroticism, displacement behavior, and stress in a healthy population of men. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, quasiexperimentally controlled study. METHODS We assessed participants' levels of neuroticism, and then during a Trier Social Stress Test quantified displacement behavior, physiological, and cognitive indices of the stress response; after the test we measured the self-reported experience of stress. RESULTS Displacement behavior was negatively correlated with self-reported experience, physiological, and cognitive measures of stress and moderated the relationships between neuroticism, self-reported experience, and cognitive index of stress. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest displacement behavior plays an important role in shaping the link between neuroticism and the response to stress.
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Routledge FS, McFetridge-Durdle JA, Macdonald M, Breau L, Campbell T. The Effect of Exercise and Distraction on Blood Pressure Recovery Following an Anger-Provoking Stressor in Normotensive Young Adults. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ruminating about a prior anger provoking event is found to elevate blood pressure (BP) and delay BP recovery. Delayed BP recovery may be associated with increased risk of hypertension. Interventions that improve BP recovery may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the influence of rumination and anger on BP reactivity and recovery, to compare the effect of an exercise intervention or distraction intervention on BP recovery and to explore if exercise improved BP recovery by distracting participants from stressor-related rumination and anger. Healthy, normotensive participants (n = 79, mean age 22.2 ± 4.0 years) underwent an anger-recall interview stressor task, 3 min of exercise (walking), distraction (reading) or no-intervention (quiet sitting) and a 15 min recovery period. State anger reactivity was associated with Δ diastolic (D) BP reactivity and approached significance with Δ systolic (S) BP reactivity. Trait rumination was associated with greater SBP during recovery. Δ SBP recovery did not differ between the exercise, distraction and no-intervention groups. Although there were no differences in Δ DBP recovery between the exercise and no-intervention groups, distraction improved Δ DBP recovery compared to the exercise intervention but not the no-intervention. The proportion of anger-related thoughts (state rumination) in the exercise group did not differ from the distraction or no-intervention groups. However, a smaller proportion of participants in the distraction intervention reported an anger-related thought during recovery compared to the no-intervention group with 76% of their thoughts relating to the provided distraction. Overall, post-stressor exercise was not found to improve BP recovery while reading was effective at distracting individuals from angry thoughts (state rumination) but had no effect on BP compared to no-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye S. Routledge
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Dalhousie University, School of Nursing, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | | | - Lynn Breau
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tavis Campbell
- University of Calgary, Department of Psychology, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and pathophysiological mechanisms: An evidence-based review. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 1:107-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ginty AT, Jones A, Carroll D, Roseboom TJ, Phillips AC, Painter R, de Rooij SR. Neuroendocrine and cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress are attenuated in smokers. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 48:87-97. [PMID: 24997350 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies have now examined the association between smoking and the magnitude of physiological reactions to acute psychological stress. However, no large-scale study has demonstrated this association incorporating neuroendocrine in addition to cardiovascular reactions to stress. The present study compared neuroendocrine and cardiovascular reactions to acute stress exposure in current smokers, ex-smokers, and those who had never smoked in a large community sample. Salivary cortisol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and frequency components of systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability were measured at rest and during exposure to a battery of three standardized stress tasks in 480 male and female participants from the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study. Current smokers had significantly lower cortisol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate reactions to stress. They also exhibited smaller changes in the low frequency band of blood pressure variability compared to ex- and never smokers. There were no group differences in stress related changes in overall heart rate variability as measured by the root mean square of successive interbeat interval differences or in the high frequency band of heart rate variability. In all cases, effects remained significant following statistical adjustment for a host of variables likely to be associated with reactivity and/or smoking. In secondary analyses, there were no significant associations between lifetime cigarette consumption or current consumption and stress reactivity. In conclusion, compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers, current smokers exhibited attenuated neuroendocrine and cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress. Among smokers and ex-smokers, there is no evidence that lifetime exposure was associated with physiological reactions to acute stress, nor that current levels of cigarette consumption were associated with reactivity. It is possible, then, that attenuated stress reactivity may be a marker for an increased susceptibility to take up and/or maintain smoking behaviour once initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Ginty
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Alexander Jones
- University College London Institute of Cardiovascular Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Carroll
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna C Phillips
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Painter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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50
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Rauber SB, Boullosa DA, Carvalho FO, de Moraes JFVN, de Sousa IRC, Simões HG, Campbell CSG. Traditional games resulted in post-exercise hypotension and a lower cardiovascular response to the cold pressor test in healthy children. Front Physiol 2014; 5:235. [PMID: 25009506 PMCID: PMC4069719 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to verify if blood pressure (BP) reactivity could be reduced through a previous single session of active playing when compared to sedentary leisure. Sixteen pre-pubertal healthy children participated in this study. After familiarization with procedures and anthropometric evaluation, participants performed three sessions in randomized order: (1) 30 min of traditional Brazilian games (PLAY); (2) 30 min of video game playing (DDR); and (3) 30 min of watching TV (TV). Each session lasted 80 min, being 10 min of rest; 30 min of intervention activity; and 40 min of recovery. After recovery, the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) was used for the assessment of acute cardiovascular reactivity. BP was recorded at 30 s and 1 min during the CPT. Analysis of variance showed post-exercise hypotension (PEH) only after PLAY, and that systolic and diastolic BP were significantly increased in all conditions during CPT. However, the magnitude of the CPT-induced BP response was significantly less in PLAY compared to DDR and TV. The PEH observed during recovery and the reduced BP response to CPT following playing traditional games may be due its higher cardiovascular and metabolic demand as was indicated by the increased heart rate, oxygen consumption, and BP. It was concluded that BP reactivity to stress may be reduced through a previous single session of traditional games and that PEH was recorded only after this exercise form. This benefit indicates a potential role of playing strategies for cardiovascular health in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliane B Rauber
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Boullosa
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil ; Undergraduate Program on Physical Education, Study Group of the Benefits of Physical Activity for Children's Health (GEBEXFISI-Grupo de Estudos dos Benefícios do Exercício Físico para Saúde Infantil), Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Ferdinando O Carvalho
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil ; Department of Physical Education, College of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco Petrolina, Brazil
| | - José F V N de Moraes
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil ; Department of Physical Education, College of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco Petrolina, Brazil
| | - Ioranny R C de Sousa
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Herbert G Simões
- Undergraduate Program on Physical Education, Study Group of the Benefits of Physical Activity for Children's Health (GEBEXFISI-Grupo de Estudos dos Benefícios do Exercício Físico para Saúde Infantil), Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Carmen S G Campbell
- Graduate Program on Physical Education and Health, Laboratory Study of Physical Activity and Health, Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil ; Undergraduate Program on Physical Education, Study Group of the Benefits of Physical Activity for Children's Health (GEBEXFISI-Grupo de Estudos dos Benefícios do Exercício Físico para Saúde Infantil), Catholic University of Brasilia Brasilia, Brazil
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