scholarly journals Objective Evaluation of Psychosocial Stress and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk in Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (04) ◽  
pp. 291-296
Author(s):  
B. Shashi Preetham ◽  
Aditya Upadhyayula ◽  
Madhuri Taranikanti ◽  
M. Aswin Kumar ◽  
Farheen Fatima ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Psychosocial stress in women is an emerging problem that is by and large unnoticed. Workplaces are being stressful places for women, but the degree of the stress as perceived by them is highly subjective. Aim To evaluate the stress using the 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and dividing the participants into low, moderate, and severe stress groups based on the scores. To objectively assess the cardiovascular risk using heart rate variability (HRV) as an index. Methods After obtaining informed and written consent, a mixed population of 50 women working at various levels in the hospital, and home-makers were included in the study. PSS-10 questionnaires were administered and scores were obtained. Electrocardiogram was obtained from lead II at rest for 10 minutes, and HRV was estimated using the LabChart Pro software (ADInstruments). Results Of the participants, 72% were in the moderate perceived stress group. Mean PSS scores were 10.33 ± 0.82, 19.72 ± 3.4, and 29.3 ± 2.3 in low, moderate, and high stress groups, respectively. Frequency-domain measures showed very significant difference across the groups. Very low frequency (VLF) was reduced (p = 0.04) and low frequency (LF) was higher (p = 0.01) in the high stress group. Conclusions Reduced VLF in the high perceived stress group is an indicator of higher cardiovascular mortality risk, which also signifies posttraumatic stress disorder. High LF and reduced high-low frequency powers signify autonomic imbalance in these women. Their perceptions of the stress were also more toward the inability to contain positive emotions when compared with having negative emotions related to stress.

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Blouin ◽  
John Deaton ◽  
Erin Richard ◽  
Paul Buza

Studies have shown that elevated levels of stress can have a significant impact on an individual’s cognitive processes. This study evaluated the effects of stress on the perceived flight performance of collegiate aviators. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to group the participants into one of three stress groups (low, medium, or high). The study participants’ levels of perceived flight performance were also measured using a survey. The results of the study indicated that the low stress group and the medium stress group had perceived flight performance scores that were significantly higher than those of the high stress group. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between the participants’ stress levels and their perceived performance levels.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa. S ◽  
Dr. N. L. Srimathi

In a day to day life we come across many hassles in our life and these hassles sometimes becomes stressors. Adolescent is a period of transitional stage with physical and psychological development wherein they face many such challenges and stressors. It depends on the individual ability, cognition and frame of life which help him to cope with stressors. Thus it is psychological resilience that is an individual’s ability to adapt to stress and hardship which determines his ability to cope with stress. The aim of the present study was to examine the difference in perceived stress among Pre University and Under Graduate students, as well studying the relationship between perceived stress and resilience among Pre University and Under Graduate students. In order to examine the same within group and between group designs was adopted and null hypothesis was formulated. Sample size of 50 Pre university students and 50 Under Graduate students were administered with Resilience scale and Perceived Stress Scale. The data was statistically analyzed and results indicated Pre University students had high level of Perceive stress and low level of resilience and Under Graduate students had moderate level of Perceive stress and high level of resilience. ‘t’ score of (t= 4.63, p<0.01) indicated significant difference between Pre University students and Under Graduate students in perceived stress, and r score of (r = -0.70, p<0.05) indicated negative relationship between Perceive stress and resilience. These findings indicated that Perceived stress is high among Pre University students compared to Under Graduate students; as well there existed a high negative relationship between Perceive stress and resilience. According to literature review it is found that resilience is related to positive emotions and these positive emotions during stressful experience have adaptive benefits in coping with stress (Tugad et al, 2004). Empirical evidence on resilient individual who have good coping strategies concretely elicit positive emotions, like humor, optimism, goal oriented behavior (Bergeman et al 2006) Thus this result paves the way for academicians, policy makers and educational intuitions to provide resilience training program as a part of their curricular, so that young adults and adolescents will have better stress management abilities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Edith N. Nwokenna ◽  
Nneka Nwosu ◽  
Uche L. Igbokwe ◽  
Vera Victor-Aigbodion ◽  
Ogechi Nnamani ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: This research objective was to examine the effect of music intervention on perceived stress among English education students. METHOD: Out of 200 students surveyed, 56 English education undergraduate students who were having high-stress level participated in the study. The 56 eligible participants were randomized into one of two study groups: music intervention group (n = 28) and waitlist control group (n = 28) using computer-generated random numbers. All participants completed baseline evaluation and posttests at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale. The statistical tool used for data analysis was within and between ANOVA. RESULT: There was a significant difference in perceived stress between English education students in the music intervention group and waitlisted group. Significant reduction in the level of perceived stress among English education students was observed in the music intervention group, but the waitlisted group demonstrated no significant reduction in their stress score both at 4, 8 and 12 weeks posttests respectively. CONCLUSION: Music intervention is an effective means of handling stress among English education students. Further studies are required to investigate the role of music therapy in burnout reduction among English education students in Nigerian universities.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eli Puterman ◽  
Aric A Prather ◽  
Elissa E Epel ◽  
Sheila Loharuka ◽  
Nancy E Adler ◽  
...  

Introduction: Obesity is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Adolescence is a period when behavior changes consolidate, setting a trajectory towards obesity. Both poor health behaviors and psychological stress promote obesity. Studies have shown that ongoing stress is related to weight gain while maintaining physical activity mitigates obesity in children as they transition to adulthood. We hypothesized that during childhood, physical activity maintenance would moderate the relationship between chronic stress and BMI increase. Methods: The NHLBI Growth and Health Study enrolled 2,379 Black and White girls aged 9-10 and assessed them annually over ten years. Perceived Stress was measured in years 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 with the well-validated Perceived Stress Scale, simplified for use in children. The Physical Activity Patterns Questionnaire assessed duration and frequency of activities in and out of school at years 1, 3, 5, and 7-10. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was available all years. Covariates included pubertal timing, race, parental income and education, and nutrient intake. Repeated measurement allows prediction of trajectories of BMI with growth curve modeling, i.e. rate of BMI change over time. Results: On average, baseline BMI was 20.79 and increased 0.63 BMI units/year. Yet, BMI increase varied significantly as a function of stress and physical activity (p = .005). Even when reporting high stress, girls who maintained activity had lower BMI growth than girls who were fairly inactive between ages 10 and 19. An average of two units less in BMI was seen at age 19 in those highly stressed yet active versus highly stressed and less active - a likely clinically significant difference, as the girls in the latter category neared 30 kg/m2 (see Figure). The slowest increase in BMI between ages 10 and 19 was evidenced in girls more active and lower in stress. Conclusion: This study adds to a converging literature showing that physical activity is a modifiable behavior that can limit the harmful health effects of ongoing stress.


1992 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 52-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail L. MacLean ◽  
Andrew Stuart ◽  
Robert Stenstrom

Differences in real ear sound pressure levels (SPLs) with three portable stereo system (PSS) earphones (supraaural [Sony Model MDR-44], semiaural [Sony Model MDR-A15L], and insert [Sony Model MDR-E225]) were investigated. Twelve adult men served as subjects. Frequency response, high frequency average (HFA) output, peak output, peak output frequency, and overall RMS output for each PSS earphone were obtained with a probe tube microphone system (Fonix 6500 Hearing Aid Test System). Results indicated a significant difference in mean RMS outputs with nonsignificant differences in mean HFA outputs, peak outputs, and peak output frequencies among PSS earphones. Differences in mean overall RMS outputs were attributed to differences in low-frequency effects that were observed among the frequency responses of the three PSS earphones. It is suggested that one cannot assume equivalent real ear SPLs, with equivalent inputs, among different styles of PSS earphones.


Author(s):  
Habib Yarizadeh ◽  
Alireza Bahiraee ◽  
Sara Asadi ◽  
Niloofar Sadat Maddahi ◽  
Leila Setayesh ◽  
...  

Abstract. Objective: The genetic variants near the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R), a key protein regulating energy balance and adiposity, have been related to obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. However, qualitative and quantitative aspects of diet may modulate the association of this polymorphism with obesity and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate interactions among MC4R rs17782313, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and risk factors for CVDs. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 266 Iranian women categorized by body mass index (BMI) range of 25–40 kg/m2 as overweight or obese. CVD risk factors included waist circumference (WC), lipid profile, blood pressure, insulin circulation and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Insulin and FBS were used to calculate homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) Body composition was assessed by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer, InBody 770 scanner. Results: The findings of this study show that high adherence to the DASH diet in the CC groups were associated with decreased SBP and DBP compared to the TT group. In addition, a significant difference between women with high adherence to the DASH diet compared to low adherence was observed for body weight (p < 0.001), fat free mass (FFM) (p = 0.01) and BMI (p = 0.02). Women with the CC genotype had higher insulin (mg/dl) (mean and SD, for TT: 14.6 ± 4.6, TC: 17.3 ± 9.2, CC: 15.3 ± 4.8, p = 0.04) and HOMA-IR (mean for and SD, TT: 3.1 ± 1.07, TC: 3.9 ± 2.4, CC: 3.2 ± 1.1, p = 0.01) than TT group. Inclusion of potential confounding variables (age, physical activity, BMI and daily caloric intake) did not attenuate the difference. Conclusion: Among overweight/obese Iranian women with the CC genotype, incorporating the DASH diet may serve as a dietary prescription to decrease CVD risk. A dietary intervention trial is warranted.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Taşar ◽  
Mehmet Kalender ◽  
Okay Güven Karaca ◽  
Ata Niyazi Ecevit ◽  
Salih Salihi ◽  
...  

Background: Carotid artery disease is not rare in cardiac patients. Patients with cardiac risk factors and carotid stenosis are prone to neurological and cardiovascular complications. With cardiac risk factors, carotid endarterectomy operation becomes challenging. Regional anesthesia is an alternative option, so we aimed to investigate the operative results of carotid endarterectomy operations under regional anesthesia in patients with cardiac risk factors. <br />Methods: We aimed to analyze and compare outcomes of carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia with cardiovascular risk groups retrospectively. Between 2006 and 2014, we applied 129 carotid endarterectomy ± patch plasty to 126 patients under combined cervical plexus block anesthesia. Patients were divided into three groups (high, moderate, low) according to their cardiovascular risks. Neurological and cardiovascular events after carotid endarterectomy were compared.<br />Results: Cerebrovascular accident was seen in 7 patients (5.55%) but there was no significant difference between groups (P &gt; .05). Mortality rate was 4.76% (n = 6); it was higher in the high risk group and was not statistically significant (P = .180). Four patients required revision for bleeding (3.17%). We did not observe any postoperative surgical infection.<br />Conclusion: Carotid endarterectomy can be safely performed with regional cervical anesthesia in all cardiovascular risk groups. Comprehensive studies comparing general anesthesia and regional anesthesia are needed. <br /><br />


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kolossvary ◽  
E.K Fishman ◽  
G Gerstenblith ◽  
D.A Bluemke ◽  
R.N Mandler ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Introduction Cross-sectional studies are inconsistent on the potential independent adverse effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection on coronary artery disease (CAD). Furthermore, there is no information on the potential effects of HIV-infection on plaque volumes. Also, only the independent effects of HIV-infection on CAD have been investigated. Purpose In a prospective longitudinal observational cohort, we wished to assess whether HIV-infection accelerates CAD independently, or by acting in synergistic fashion with conventional and nonconventional cardiovascular risk factors to accelerate disease progression as assessed by clinical and volumetric parameters of CAD on coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods Overall, 300 asymptomatic individuals without cardiovascular symptoms but with CCTA-confirmed coronary plaques (210 males, age: 48.0±7.2 years) with or without HIV (226 HIV-infected) prospectively underwent CCTA at two time points (mean follow-up: 4.0±2.3 years). Agatston-score, number of coronary plaques, segment stenosis score were calculated, and we also segmented the coronary plaques to enumerate total, noncalcified (−100–350HU) and calcified (≥351HU) plaque volumes. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of HIV-infection, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, years of cocaine use and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on CCTA markers of CAD. Results In univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in CAD characteristics between HIV-infected and -uninfected, neither at baseline nor at follow-up (p&gt;0.05 for all). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in annual progression rates between the two groups (p&gt;0.05 for all). By multivariate analysis, HIV was not associated with any CAD parameter (p&gt;0.05 for all). However, among HIV-infected individuals, each year of cocaine use significantly increased all CAD parameters (p&lt;0.05 for all), while ASCVD risk score was significantly associated with CAD parameters except for Agatston-score (p&lt;0.05). These associations were only present among HIV-infected individuals. Conclusion(s) Instead of directly worsening CAD, HIV may promote CAD through increased susceptibility to conventional and nonconventional cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, aggressive management of both conventional and nonconventional cardiovascular risk factors is needed to reduce cardiovascular burden of HIV-infection. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Yan ◽  
Qun Hao ◽  
Jie Cao ◽  
Rizvi Saad ◽  
Kun Li ◽  
...  

AbstractImage fusion integrates information from multiple images (of the same scene) to generate a (more informative) composite image suitable for human and computer vision perception. The method based on multiscale decomposition is one of the commonly fusion methods. In this study, a new fusion framework based on the octave Gaussian pyramid principle is proposed. In comparison with conventional multiscale decomposition, the proposed octave Gaussian pyramid framework retrieves more information by decomposing an image into two scale spaces (octave and interval spaces). Different from traditional multiscale decomposition with one set of detail and base layers, the proposed method decomposes an image into multiple sets of detail and base layers, and it efficiently retains high- and low-frequency information from the original image. The qualitative and quantitative comparison with five existing methods (on publicly available image databases) demonstrate that the proposed method has better visual effects and scores the highest in objective evaluation.


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