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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
06:35
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
18.5K
Spiritual well-being as a protective factor for endothelial dysfunction in clinically healthy adults
Andre Casarsa1,2, Pedro Bastos de Medeiros1,3, Julio Cesar Tolentino1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gaffrée Guinle, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Plos One
|December 26, 2025
Summary
Spiritual well-being (SWB) is linked to better vascular health, independent of mental health. Inner peace and life purpose are key factors in maintaining endothelial function and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early cardiovascular disease (CVD) marker.
- Psychosocial factors like depression and anxiety impact ED.
- The role of spiritual well-being (SWB) in vascular health is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the association between SWB and ED in healthy adults.
- Control for mental health and cardiovascular risk factors.
- Identify spiritual dimensions linked to vascular health.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 148 adults (18-60 years).
- Assessed SWB (FACIT-Sp), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and endothelial function (FMD).
- Used logistic regression and discriminant analyses.
Main Results:
- 39.2% of participants had ED.
- SWB, BMI, anxiety, and depression were associated with ED.
- SWB remained inversely associated with ED even after excluding those with anxiety/depression.
- Inner peace and life purpose, not faith, distinguished individuals with and without ED.
Conclusions:
- SWB, especially inner peace and meaning, is independently linked to preserved endothelial function.
- Findings support incorporating psychosocial and spiritual factors into CVD risk assessment.
- Promoting SWB may aid cardiovascular health strategies.
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