Mental stress and the cardiovascular system part I: Cardiovascular response to acute mental stress in normal subjects

Abstract

In normal subjects, acute mental stress may alter baseline cardiovascular parameters. During this stimulation, blood pressure and heart rate commonly increase. Changes in peripheral vascular resistance are variable. Parameter responses during acute mental stress may be incorporated in the model of isotonic (dynamic or volume) exercise with increased blood pressure and decreased peripheral vascular resistance or in the model of isometric (static or pressure) exercise with increased blood pressure and increased peripheral vascular resistance. Sustained isotonic exercise such as jogging or swimming is generally considered healthful. In contrast, sustained isometric exercise such as weight lifting or snow shoveling is generally not considered healthful. Measuring peripheral vascular resistance may be important in distinguishing between healthful and unhealthful activities. In normal subjects, acute mental stress may also alter heart rate, double product (blood pressure × heart rate), cardiac output, stroke volume, forearm blood flow, left ventricular ejection fraction, and cardiac microcirculation.

Studies in normal subjects have identified relationships between hostility and increased arousal, and blood pressure and heart rate increases. Failure to measure peripheral vascular resistance in these studies confounds full interpretation of the findings.