Key result
Real-world stress conditions were associated with significantly higher heart rate compared to no stress, with physical stressors, smoking, anxiety, and hostility contributing to heart rate variability.
Observational
Ambulatory monitoring using portable microcomputers and heart rate monitors is a feasible methodology for assessing real-world stress reactivity.
Ambulatory monitoring captures real-world stress-HR links; leaves open whether targeting stressors improves CV outcomes.
The purpose of the present investigation was to develop and test an innovative methodology to assess stress reactivity in the real world. A portable microcomputer was programmed to administer two questionnaires eight times per day for 3 days in the field. Heart rate was measured simultaneously using a reliable and valid ambulatory monitor (Sport Tester PE-3000). Data were analyzed in terms of stress versus no stress, based on subjects' perceptions of the 24 events. It was found that heart rate was significantly higher in the stress condition and that physical stressors contributed significantly to heart rate variability, as did cigarette smoking. Three emotional responses were evident when subjects were stressed: anxiety, hostility and depression; the former two emotions also contributed to heart rate variability. The heart rate data were compared to a number of other studies conducted in the field and found to be strikingly similar. It was concluded that the new technologies currently available allow for the measurement of stress reactivity in the field.
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Dobkin et al. (2010) conducted an observational in Stress. Real-world stress vs. No stress was evaluated on Heart rate. Real-world stress conditions were associated with significantly higher heart rate compared to no stress, with physical stressors, smoking, anxiety, and hostility contributing to heart rate variability.
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