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Extraction and Analysis of Cortisol from Human and Monkey Hair
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Extraction and Analysis of Cortisol from Human and Monkey Hair

Published on: January 24, 2014

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Elevated levels of cortisol in hair precede acute myocardial infarction

Tomas Faresjö1, Susanna Strömberg2, Mike Jones3

  • 1Department of Health, Medicine and Care, General Practice, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. tomas.faresjo@liu.se.

Scientific Reports
|January 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Elevated hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were observed in individuals who experienced acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This finding suggests chronic stress may be a significant risk factor for heart attacks.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

  • Modern societies face widespread long-term stress, a potential trigger for various diseases.
  • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality, with ongoing research into its risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • To determine if cortisol levels are an independent risk factor for AMI.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing middle-aged AMI patients (n=174) with a population-based control group (n=3156).
  • Measurement of Hair Cortisol Concentrations (HCC) in both cases and controls.
  • Statistical analysis including bivariate and multivariate analyses, controlling for established cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Median HCC was significantly higher in AMI patients (53.2 pg/mg) compared to controls (22.2 pg/mg) (p < 0.001).
  • Higher HCC levels showed a strong association with AMI status (OR=5.69, p < 0.001).
  • This association remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors (OR=5.04, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Middle-aged individuals with AMI exhibit significantly elevated cortisol levels in the month preceding the event.
  • Cortisol concentration, measured via HCC, is an independent and significant biomarker related to AMI.
  • Chronic stress emerges as a potential novel risk factor for acute myocardial infarction.

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