COVID-19 and the amplification of cardiovascular risk by psychological distress
1Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
Nature Cardiovascular Research
|May 4, 2023
Insights
Psychological distress during COVID-19 worsens SARS-CoV-2 infection
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Infectious Disease
- Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread psychological distress.
- This distress may negatively impact cardiovascular health.
- Healthcare workers face unique stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore biobehavioral mechanisms linking psychological distress and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To investigate the cardiovascular risks faced by healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on biobehavioral pathways.
- Analysis of stress-related factors in healthcare settings.
Main Results:
- Psychological distress can exacerbate cardiovascular complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The demanding nature of caring for COVID-19 patients elevates cardiovascular risk among healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these biobehavioral links is crucial for mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with COVID-19.
- Targeted interventions are needed to support the cardiovascular health of both the general population and healthcare workers.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a tidal wave of psychological distress. Here, we discuss the biobehavioral mechanisms through which psychological distress amplifyies the adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2-infection on cardiovascular outcomes. We also examine how the stress of caring for patients with COVID-19 increases cardiovascular risk in healthcare workers.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
58
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...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
58
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
38
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
38
01:30Stress and Mental Health
189
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...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
189
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
26
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
26
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
82
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...
82
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
150
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...
150