Association of stress hormones and the risk of cardiovascular diseases systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The roles of endogenous stress hormones (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol) in cardiovascular diseases have been discussed. However, the higher versus lower level of stress hormones in relation to cardiovascular risks remained uncertain.

Methods

We searched databases from their inception to 31, March 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of higher to lower level of stress hormones with random effect model. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were done to clarify the heterogeneity.

Results

In total, 33 studies involving 43641 participants were included. With regard to cardiovascular disease risks, a higher risk for individuals with higher level of all stress hormones (risk ratio (RR), 1.63; 95 % Confidence intervals (CIs): 1.36, 1.97) was noted compared with lower level of all stress hormones. The meta-regression showed that as the follow-up year increased per year, the impact of higher level of all stress hormones on the risk of cardiovascular disease declined significantly (RR, −0.09; 95 % CIs: 0.15, −0.03, p = 0.006). A significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases for individuals with higher level of norepinephrine (RR, 1.68; 95 % CIs: 1.37, 2.06), with higher level of epinephrine (RR, 1.58; 95 % CIs: 1.10, 2.26), and with higher level of cortisol (RR, 1.60; 95 % CIs: 1.04, 2.26) were noted compared with a lower level of each stress hormone.

Conclusion

Higher levels of stress hormones were significantly associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases compared with lower levels of stress hormones.