Age-related changes in cardiovascular response as a function of a chronic stressor and social support.
The effects of aging, chronic stress, and social support on cardiovascular functioning were examined using a cross-sectional design. Thirty-six family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease victims and 34 control Ss performed 2 active coping tasks while continuous noninvasive measures of cardiovascular activity were monitored. Results revealed that caregivers high in social support displayed typical age-related decreases in heart-rate reactivity, whereas caregivers low in social support displayed age-related increases in heart-rate reactivity. Analyses further indicated that only Ss with low social support were characterized by age-related increases in systolic blood pressure. These results suggest that social support can moderate age-related changes in cardiovascular functioning, particularly in Ss exposed to a chronic stressor.
Uchino
B N
BN
Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1222.
Kiecolt-Glaser
J K
JK
Cacioppo
J T
JT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological