Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been proven to be the largest contributor to morbidity and mortality in the developed world. By considering the psychosocial factors that have been linked to CVD, this chapter will focus on the role of psychological distress. Existing empirical evidence shows that stress can be considered as a risk factor starting from the early years, while in adulthood the risk associated with distress derives mainly from either social isolation or workplace-related chronic stressors. Both behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this association, including sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system and reduced heart rate variability. Finally, we report research emphasizing the potential protective role of positive psychological constructs such as well-being, optimism, and positive affect.

Balzarotti, S., Colombo, B., Christensen, A., The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Bio-behavioral Processes in Cardiovascular Disease, in Govoni, G. S., Politi, P. P., Vanoli, V. E. (ed.), Brain and Heart Dynamics, Springer, Cham 2019: 2019 1- 11. 10.1007/978-3-319-90305-7_14-1 [http://hdl.handle.net/10807/140532]

The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Bio-behavioral Processes in Cardiovascular Disease

Balzarotti, Stefania;Colombo, Barbara;
2019

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been proven to be the largest contributor to morbidity and mortality in the developed world. By considering the psychosocial factors that have been linked to CVD, this chapter will focus on the role of psychological distress. Existing empirical evidence shows that stress can be considered as a risk factor starting from the early years, while in adulthood the risk associated with distress derives mainly from either social isolation or workplace-related chronic stressors. Both behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this association, including sustained activation of the sympathetic nervous system and reduced heart rate variability. Finally, we report research emphasizing the potential protective role of positive psychological constructs such as well-being, optimism, and positive affect.
2019
Inglese
Brain and Heart Dynamics
978-3-319-90305-7
Springer
2019
Balzarotti, S., Colombo, B., Christensen, A., The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Bio-behavioral Processes in Cardiovascular Disease, in Govoni, G. S., Politi, P. P., Vanoli, V. E. (ed.), Brain and Heart Dynamics, Springer, Cham 2019: 2019 1- 11. 10.1007/978-3-319-90305-7_14-1 [http://hdl.handle.net/10807/140532]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10807/140532
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