Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Chronic psychosocial stress predicts long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in middle-aged men

B Ohlin1, P M Nilsson, J-A Nilsson

  • 1Department of Medicine, University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden.

European Heart Journal
|May 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Self-reported chronic stress is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged men, especially for fatal stroke. This association persists even after accounting for other known risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychosocial Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Psychosocial stress is increasingly recognized as a significant factor influencing health outcomes.
  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
  • Understanding the long-term impact of chronic stress on cardiovascular health is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively examine the relationship between self-reported chronic stress and long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • To determine if chronic stress is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in a population-based cohort.
  • To investigate potential differences in this association between men and women.

Main Methods:

  • The Malmö Preventive Project cohort, comprising 13,609 individuals (2741 women) aged 45 years, was utilized.
  • Self-reported chronic stress was assessed via questionnaire between 1974 and 1980.
  • Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality data were collected from national registries over a median follow-up of 21 years.

Main Results:

  • Individuals reporting chronic stress had a 27% increased risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular incidents (Risk Ratio [RR] = 1.27).
  • After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the RR for cardiovascular events associated with chronic stress was 1.14.
  • A significantly higher risk was observed for fatal stroke in men reporting chronic stress (RR = 2.04); no significant increase was found for women.

Conclusions:

  • Self-reported chronic stress is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly fatal stroke, in middle-aged men.
  • The persistence of this risk after adjustment suggests potential direct or indirect pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

Social Threat-Safety Test Uncovers Psychosocial Stress-Related Phenotypes05:03

Social Threat-Safety Test Uncovers Psychosocial Stress-Related Phenotypes

Published on: December 15, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...