Recent Progress of Chronic Stress in the Development of Atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Pathophysiology
• Stress Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in aging societies, imposing a significant social burden.
• Atherosclerosis, characterized by plaque buildup and endothelial injury, underlies major vascular diseases.
• Chronic stress is increasingly recognized for its role in atherosclerosis development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of chronic stress in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.
• To focus on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking chronic stress to atherosclerosis.
• To highlight molecular targets involved in stress-induced vascular damage.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on chronic stress and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms including endothelial injury and inflammation.
• Examination of molecular pathways affected by chronic stress.

Main Results:

• Chronic stress is implicated in endothelial injury, lipid metabolism dysregulation, and chronic inflammation.
• Long-term stress, combined with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, can trigger atherosclerosis.
• Stress-related pathogenesis can lead to vessel blockage, plaque instability, and adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

• Chronic stress is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms is key to developing targeted interventions.
• Managing chronic stress may be vital for preventing atherosclerosis and its complications.