Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology is a field that studies the connections between stress, the immune system, and health outcomes.

Traumatic events can disrupt key systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, potentially heightening the risk of severe health issues, such as cardiovascular disease.

Research shows a strong link between psychological factors, such as stress, personality traits like hostility, and an accelerated risk of coronary heart disease or CHD.

Stress contributes to CHD by promoting plaque buildup in heart arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis.

Additionally, stressful life events increase the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and heart enlargement.

Studies show that men experiencing intense stress at work or home have higher biological risk factors for CHD.

Furthermore, elevated stress levels increase stress hormones, which disrupt heart rhythm and heighten CHD risk, especially in individuals sensitive to daily stressors.

Stress is also associated with behavioral risk factors like poor diet and lack of exercise, both of which further elevate the risk of CHD.