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WebMD discusses three different studies that were conducted in medical systems in order to determine if there is a relationship between the amount of stress and cardiovascular problems.
Study One
Cortisol was testing in participants urine and years later showed an association between high levels and death in cardiovascular disease. Those with higher levels of cortisol were five times more likely to die from a heart attack, stroke, or other related cardiovascular issues. According to Nicole Vogelzangs, PhD of VU University Medical Center in the Netherlands, this is the first study to support the hypothesis between high stress levels and heart conditions.
Study Two
A study in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism measured cortisol levels over a 24-hour time period through urine as well, but in people aged 65 and over, for 6 years. Of the participants, 183 died in the 6 year time period. The cortisol levels strongly predicted death from heart attack and stroke.
Study Three
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario measured cortisol levels in hair samples for the course of 3 months. Even though the researchers found that the levels were predictors of people being at risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure and cholesterol, they believe more information is needed to determine if stress hormone measurement can over meaningful information. There are suggestions that cortisol levels may be lowered with exercise, weight loss, etc., it is uncertain if lowering cortisol levels can actually lower the risk for cardiovascular risk. Stan Vanuum, MD, PhD told WebMD "These studies reinforce the message that stress is bad for the heart, but we don't really know if we can reduce stress hormone levels or what impact this would have."
These studies show that the medical community is taken action to figure out whether or not there is a relationship between stress and cardiovascular problems. They are also looking at different demographics, such as age and gender. In addition, running tests such as these can be very expensive and labor intensive.
