Perceived Academic Stress and Cardiovascular Symptoms among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Medical training is academically intense and psychologically demanding, often leading to sustained stress exposure. Although the mental health effects of stress among medical students are well documented, its somatic manifestations, particularly cardiovascular-type symptoms, remain underexplored in Middle Eastern settings. Aim: This study aimed to examine the association between academic stress and self-reported cardiovascular-type symptoms among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 undergraduate medical students selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, perceived stress measured by the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, and a cardiovascular symptom checklist. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic and multiple linear regression analyses using IBM SPSS version 27. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Most participants reported moderate-to-high perceived stress. Non-Saudi students had significantly higher stress levels than Saudi students ( P = 0.020), and lower grade point average (GPA) was significantly associated with higher stress ( P = 0.017). Female students reported a significantly higher prevalence of fatigue, palpitations, and paresthesia ( P < 0.05). Students in earlier academic years experienced palpitations and vertigo more frequently ( P = 0.001). Regression analyses identified female sex, junior academic level, and lower GPA as significant predictors of increased cardiovascular-type symptom burden. Conclusion: Academic stress is associated with cardiovascular-type symptoms among medical students and may affect academic performance. Medical schools should prioritize stress management strategies psychological support, and wellness programs to mitigate stress-related health effects and promote well-being.