Key result
Psychological stress significantly increased the low to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (3.01 vs 1.39) and morning cortisol levels compared to healthy controls, indicating autonomic disturbance.
Why the study?
Does psychological stress alter heart rate variability and morning cortisol levels compared to controls?
Cross-Sectional (n=80)
No
Does psychological stress alter heart rate variability and morning cortisol levels compared to controls?
Absolute Event Rate: 3.01% vs 1.39%
p-value: p=<0.001
Psychological stress is associated with increased sympathetic activity and morning cortisol levels, indicating autonomic and neuroendocrine disturbances.
Hypothesis-generating for stress-related autonomic effects; prospective studies needed before clinical adoption.
Introduction: Psychological stress activate two axes: Hypothalamic- Pituitary-Adrenal axis and Sympathoadrenal axis leading to production of cortisol and catecholamines.Autonomic disturbances in the body can be evaluated by estimating heart rate variability.Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Islamic International Medical College. Period:June 2014 to December 2014. Materials and Methods: Subjects were labeled as stress andcontrol on basis of DASS questionnaire proforma. Morning Cortisol level of all the subjectswas measured by quantitative ELISA method. Heart rate variability recording of all the subjectswas done. Results: Low frequency in absolute and normalized unit and low to high frequencyratio was significantly higher in stressed group, compared to control (p≤ .05, p ≤ .001, pp ≤.001 respectively). High frequency in normalized was significantly lower in stressed subjects,compared to control (p ≤ .001). Cortisol level was significantly higher in the stressed group incomparison with control (p ≤ .05). Conclusion: Stress can lead to increase morning cortisollevel and can cause autonomic disturbances which can be evaluated by measuring heart ratevariability.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Jawwad et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Psychological stress (n=80). Psychological stress vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on Low to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (p=<0.001). Psychological stress significantly increased the low to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (3.01 vs 1.39) and morning cortisol levels compared to healthy controls, indicating autonomic disturbance.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: