Scholarly Article
Evaluation of levels of stress hormones in patients with atherosclerosis
Ekhlas A. K. Kanani, Marwa T. Ahmed, Amenah Imad Fawzi, Hamza Fadhel Hamzah, Ahmed Abdullah Hussein
1970-01-01 · Journal of Rare Cardiovascular Diseases
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stress hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, has complex effects on cardiovascular health. Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties but contributes to AS by altering lipid profiles and vascular function. Chronic stress increases norepinephrine and catecholamine levels, which contribute to hypertension and vascular contraction through the sympathetic - adrenal - medullary system. The renin - angiotensin - aldosterone system also elevates angiotensin II levels, further influencing blood pressure and catecholamine activity. Imbalance of hormones brought about by chronic stress, mainly on the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis, intensifies the risk for cardiovascular diseases due to a disturbed vascular response and myocardial dysfunction. Socioeconomic development and individual physiological responses may mediate these effects. These mechanisms identify potential therapeutic targets, including stress hormone modulation, for preventing and managing CVD.
Keywords
atherosclerosis, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cardiovascular disease, cortisol
Citation Details
Journal of Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 43-47