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Article
Impact of stress and hypertension on the cerebrovasculature
Frontiers in Bioscience - Landmark
  • Nada Elsaid, Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine
  • Ahmed Saied, Mansoura University, Faculty of Medicine
  • Heba Kandil, University of Louisville
  • Ahmed Soliman, University of Louisville
  • Fatma Taher, Zayed University
  • Mohiuddin Hadi, University of Louisville
  • Guruprasad Giridharan, University of Louisville
  • Richard Jennings, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  • Manuel Casanova, University of South Carolina
  • Robert Keynton, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Ayman El-Baz, University of Louisville
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-30-2021
Abstract

Objectives: Both stress and hypertension (HTN) are considered major health problems that negatively impact the cerebral vasculature. In this article we summarize the possible relationship between stress and HTN. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using a database search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Psychological stress is known to be an important risk factor for essential hypertension. Acute stress can induce transient elevations of blood pressure in the context of the fight-or-flight response. With increased intensity and duration of a perceived harmful event, the normal physiological response is altered, resulting in a failure to return to the resting levels. These changes are responsible for the development of HTN. Genetic and behavioral factors are also very important for the pathogenesis of hypertension under chronic stress situation. In addition, HTN and chronic stress may lead to impaired auto-regulation, regional vascular remodeling, and breakdown of the blood brain barrier (BBB). The effects of both HTN and chronic stress on the cerebral blood vessels shows that both have common structural and functional effects including endothelial damage with subsequent increased wall thickness, vessel resistance, stiffness, arterial atherosclerosis, and altered hemodynamics. Conclusion: Most of the above mentioned vascular effects of stress were primarily reported in animal models. Further in-vivo standardization of pathological vascular indices and imaging modalities is warranted. Radiological quantification of these cerebrovascular changes is therefore essential for in depth understanding of the healthy and diseased cerebral arteries functions, identification and stratification of patients at risk of cardiovascular and neurological adverse events, enactment of preventive measures prior to the onset of systemic HTN, and the initiation of personalized medical management.

Publisher
Bioscience Research Institute Pte. Ltd.
Keywords
  • Cerebrovascular,
  • Hypertension,
  • Imaging,
  • Stress
Scopus ID
85123062307
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Indexed in Scopus
Yes
Open Access
Yes
Open Access Type
Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series
Citation Information
Nada Elsaid, Ahmed Saied, Heba Kandil, Ahmed Soliman, et al.. "Impact of stress and hypertension on the cerebrovasculature" Frontiers in Bioscience - Landmark Vol. 26 Iss. 12 (2021) p. 1643 - 1652 ISSN: <a href="https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/issn/2768-6701" target="_blank">2768-6701</a>
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/fatma-taher/37/