The Impact of Psychological and Social Stress on General and Public Health.

Aim: This study aims to explore the extensive impact of psychological stress on health, focusing on cognitive functions, cardiovascular health, and immune responses. By synthesizing findings from recent research, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms through which chronic stress affects these domains and propose potential pathways for intervention. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, examining studies on stress and its impact on prospective memory (PM), autonomic nervous system, mitochondria, hormones, cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure reactivity and heart rate variability), and immune function. Key studies involving neuroimaging, physiological monitoring, and biochemical analyses were included to provide a holistic understanding of the stress-health relationship. Results: Chronic psychological stress impairs high-order cognitive functions, particularly PM, through hippocampal dysfunction mediated by glucocorticoid dysregulation. Cardiovascular health is compromised by stress-induced autonomic imbalance, leading to elevated blood pressure and reduced heart rate variability. This imbalance contributes to increased allostatic load and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, stress modulates immune responses by activating the HPA axis, resulting in altered inflammation levels and immune dysfunction. Conclusion: The findings highlight the pervasive impact of psychological stress on multiple health domains. Chronic stress leads to significant cognitive impairments, cardiovascular dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of stress on health. Future research should focus on personalized approaches to stress management, considering individual differences in stress responses and resilience.