Overview of Cardiovascular Disease

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In the past thirty years there have been a significant number of studies done to establish a connection between psychological stress and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD refers to the negative change towards the normal process of the heart and blood vessel system (What Is Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)?, online). Psychological stress is defined, but not limited to being a demanding condition in which the normal behavioral conditions are exceeded thus overwhelming the behavioral resources of the organism (Kamarck, 2012). In the world today it has been shown that the impacts of psychological, social, and environmental stressors from daily lives are increasing the physical well being of individuals. Two different types of stressors can attain cardiovascular responses: "acute major life stressors and chronic exposure to continuing stressors" (Dimsdale, 2008). A stressor is any condition which causes stress on an individual. One may be exposed to acute stressors during periods of intense stress that are not regular to one’s lifestyle. Those who are exposed to constant chronic stressors are at an increased risk for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke (Hojt, online). The increased levels of psychological stress present in individuals lives is providing for alarm due to the direct correlation it has with risk for cardiovascular disease. Research done by Thomas Kamarck exposes the association between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease. Kamarck's studies focused on monitoring ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) within a group of individuals. ABP is unique in that it is measured in regular intervals. ABP measurements are collected in the “natural environment” of the test subject and have been associ... ... middle of paper ... ... Journal." Psychological Distress as a Risk Factor for Death from Cerebrovascular Disease. N.p., June 2012. Web. 04 June 2013. Herd, J. A. "American Physiological Society Physiological Reviews." Cardiovascular Response to Stress. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 June 2013. "High Blood Pressure (hypertension)." Netdoctor. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 June 2013. Hojt, D. A. "Effects of Stress on Your Heart." EzineArticles.com. EzineArticles.com, n.d. Web. 04 June 2013. Kamarck, Thomas. "Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: An Exposure Science Perspective." Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: An Exposure Science Perspective. N.p., Apr. 2012. Web. 04 June 2013. "Stress and Cardiovascular Disease." European Heart Network (2006): n. pag. Web. "What Is Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)?" What Is Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)? N.p., n.d. Web. 04 June 2013.

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