Stress Scores and S/PS Ratio as Noninvasive Marker for Evaluation of Sympathovagal Balance in Progressive Atherosclerotic Plaque

The utilization of stress scores (SS) as markers of sympathetic nervous system activity and the S/PS ratio, representing the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, has emerged as a novel approach in cardiovascular research. High-fat diets (HFD) have been shown to dysregulate autonomic function, leading to increased lipid markers, atherogenic indices, and the progression of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have highlighted the correlation between elevated stress scores, higher S/PS ratios, and the risk of atherosclerosis in individuals with carotid artery plaques. Reduced heart rate variability, observed in HFD-fed subjects, further underscores the link between autonomic imbalance and plaque formation. Notably, the SS and S/PS ratio have demonstrated utility as biomarkers in assessing autonomic nervous system anomalies in both healthy and sedentary individuals. The significant positive correlation of SS and S/PS ratios with lipid markers and atherogenic indices suggests their potential in monitoring atherosclerotic progression and dyslipidaemia risk. These findings support the use of noninvasive autonomic biomarkers to better understand the interplay between stress, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health, offering a promising tool for identifying individuals at heightened risk of atherosclerotic diseases.