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Variations in plasma lipid concentration during examination stress.
B S McCann1, G A Benjamin, C W Wilkinson
1Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Program, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98101-1827, USA. mccann@u.washington.edu
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Psychological stress from exams increased cortisol and potentially harmful cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in law students. These findings suggest stress can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Psychological stress is a known factor influencing physiological responses.
- The impact of acute stress on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk markers requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of episodic psychological stress on plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations in law students.
- To examine the association between stress markers (cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate, self-reports) and changes in lipid profiles.
Main Methods:
- 40 law students (20 men, 20 women) had plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoproteins) measured before and during final exams.
- Physiological stress markers (cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate) and self-reported stress/workload were assessed.
- Dietary intake and plasma volume indexes were controlled for.
Main Results:
- Perceived stress, workload, and cortisol levels significantly increased before examinations.
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) showed significant increases.
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased in women; no significant changes in triglycerides were observed.
- Changes in cortisol were positively associated with changes in LDL-C and apo B.
Conclusions:
- Episodic psychological stress, such as during examinations, can induce potentially atherogenic changes in lipid and lipoprotein profiles.
- Neuroendocrine mechanisms, indicated by cortisol changes, likely play a role in stress-induced lipid alterations.
- These findings highlight a potential link between acute stress and increased cardiovascular risk.