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Interactions of Stress, Psychology, and Cardiovascular Function

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Cardiovascular Neuroendocrinology

Part of the book series: Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology ((MANEURO,volume 14))

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Abstract

Stress is a construct that may be nearly universally understood, discussed at length among scientists and in casual conversation. Stressors, which produce a state of stress in the body, can take many forms, including being psychological in nature. The stress response is an adaptive reaction of the brain and body, which is necessary for proper energy utilization and behavioral responses to ensure that our survival is not threatened. However, stress can also be maladaptive for many reasons. This chapter addresses both adaptive and maladaptive constructs relevant to stress and stress-related processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems that influence cardiovascular function. Two examples of psychological stress—emotional stress and social stress—are discussed in the context of interactions between stress and the cardiovascular system. Several mechanisms underlying the associations of stress, psychological states, and cardiovascular dysfunction are addressed, including specific evidence from research with animal models of stress. The chapter concludes with recommendations for advancing our understanding of the interactions among stress, psychology, and the cardiovascular system.

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Abbreviations

ACTH:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

AVP:

Arginine vasopressin

CMS:

Chronic mild stress

CRH:

Corticotropin-releasing hormone

HPA:

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

PVN:

Paraventricular nucleus

TNF:

Tumor necrosis factor

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  1. Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA

    Angela J. Grippo & Sarah J. Ciosek

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  1. Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Gina L. C. Yosten

  2. Department of Physiology and Anatomy, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    J. Thomas Cunningham

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Grippo, A.J., Ciosek, S.J. (2023). Interactions of Stress, Psychology, and Cardiovascular Function. In: Yosten, G.L.C., Cunningham, J.T. (eds) Cardiovascular Neuroendocrinology. Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, vol 14. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39995-4_8

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