Rathish D, Rajapakse RPVJ, Weerakoon KGAD. The role of cortisol in the association of canine-companionship with blood pressure, glucose, and lipids: a systematic review.
High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2021;
28:447-455. [PMID:
34351596 DOI:
10.1007/s40292-021-00469-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The dog is known as man's best friend and canine-companionship is associated with positive effects on cardiovascular health.
AIM
We aim to review the role of cortisol in the association of canine-companionship with human blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile.
METHODS
Electronic databases, and reference lists of the selected articles were searched for original articles in English which evaluate the role of cortisol in the association of canine-companionship with human blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile. Appropriate tools from the National Institute of Health were used for the quality assessment.
RESULTS
Of the 2108 articles included for screening, 6 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. The USA had produced the highest number of studies (50%, 3/6). Pre-post studies (83%, 5/6) were the predominant type, and the overall quality of the selected studies was acceptable. The majority of studies showed a significant reduction of cortisol with dog companionship or therapy (67%, 4/6) along with a significant reduction of heart rate (2/4), systolic blood pressure (1/4), mean arterial blood pressure (1/4), or total cholesterol level (1/4). The role of cortisol in the association of canine-companionship with human blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile was scarcely studied with no studies from lower-middle-income countries, where the disease burden is on the rise.
CONCLUSION
A significant reduction of few cardiovascular risk factors was found along with a significant reduction of cortisol in canine companionship in few studies. Future comparative or higher-level studies are essential on the association between canine companionship, cortisol and cardiovascular risk factors, especially in lower-middle-income countries.
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