Stress, Cortisol and Artery Health Studied | May, 2010

According to the Daily Mail, stress increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes because people who become stressed are more likely to suffer from hardened arteries.

A study was conducted by Dr. Mark Hamer and his colleagues at the University College London. The researchers gathered a sample of 514 participants who were from the ages of 53 and 76 that did not have any history of CHD (coronary heart disease) and no previous diagnosis of high blood pressure, inflammatory disease or allergies. This preliminary research looked for associations between stress in older humans, measured by cortisol levels, and coronary artery calcification (CAC), measured by computed tomography. The authors say that CAC is an indicator of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, and is a predictor of future Coronary heart disease (CHD) events.

At the beginning of the study, the researchers noted the participant's weight, height, blood cholesterol levels, whether or not they smoked, and fat levels. In addition the researchers took saliva and blood pressure tests, followed by two mental stress tests. One of them a Stroop test, where they ask participants to read out colors that are written down in a different colored text, and the other a mirror test, which involves drawing a shape while only being asked to see your hand as a reflection in a mirror.

After the study, the researchers took saliva samples every 20, 45 and 60 minutes, to measure the amount of cortisol and cardiovascular measurements to monitor the coronary artery calcification.

The results of the study separated the sample into two groups: those who have a rise of cortisol in response to stress test and those who did not respond. The researchers concluded that people who had increased cortisol levels were more likely to have high calcium deposits in their arteries, a sign of coronary heart disease.

However, further research is needed to assess whether there is an association between stress and coronary heart disease. Despite this need for further research, minimizing stress is known to be associated with improved mental and physical wellbeing. Bioidentical Hormone doctors work to reduce levels of cortisol in patients by using stress management to reduce stress.

Read the full article: Stress and Artery Health Studied

1

To get started, leave us your information and we will contact you to find out exactly how we can help. We order the initial labs you'll need for your first visit and we'll schedule the appointment with your new bioidentical hormone physician. Before your visit you'll spend time on our website completing a thorough questionnaire in the convenience of your home.

2

At your hour-long initial consultation, your physician will meet with you personally to discuss your symptoms, review your results and talk through the appropriate treatment to meet your individualized needs. Our highly experienced physicians undergo hundreds of hours of training in bioidentical hormones and have helped thousands of women and men suffering the symptoms of hormone imbalance.

3

Finally, if necessary, your physician will prescribe the customized compounded bioidentical hormones and other pharmacy-grade supplements for your personalized program. The compounding pharmacy will contact you and send these directly to your home or office as you request.