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Individual Differences in Cardiovascular Response to Stress pp 187–201Cite as

Stress Reactivity in Childhood and Adolescence

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Part of the book series: Perspectives on Individual Differences ((PIDF))

Abstract

Numerous investigators have sought to measure cardiovascular reactivity (i.e., response to acute stress) in healthy individuals before manifestations of cardiovascular disease are apparent. In this light, cardiovascular reactivity could serve as either a marker or a mechanism for the development of essential hypertension or coronary disease. As a marker, hyperreactivity is conceptualized as a consequence of preexisting cardiovascular damage or of heightened sympathetic tone that results in vasoconstriction and/or excessive myocardial work (cardiac output). As a mechanism, hyperreactive peaks are thought to damage the intimal layer of arteries, resulting in arteriosclerosis and/or subsequent hypertension. An alternative hypothesis suggests that hyperreactive peaks cause greater release of mitogens, which result in hypertrophy of smooth muscles. Whether hyperreactivity is found to be a mechanism of essential hypertension evolution or a marker for future essential hypertension, further research is warranted. This association would allow detection of individuals at the highest risk, and, possibly, lead to primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The study of children and adolescents is extremely valuable because in these populations, cardiovascular disease is minimally present and potentially reversible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103, USA

    Bruce S. Alpert & Dawn K. Wilson

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  1. Bruce S. Alpert
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  2. Dawn K. Wilson
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7175, USA

    J. Rick Turner , Andrew Sherwood  & Kathleen C. Light ,  & 

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Alpert, B.S., Wilson, D.K. (1992). Stress Reactivity in Childhood and Adolescence. In: Turner, J.R., Sherwood, A., Light, K.C. (eds) Individual Differences in Cardiovascular Response to Stress. Perspectives on Individual Differences. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0697-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0697-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-0699-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0697-7

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