An overview of the role of cardiovascular reactivity to stressful challenges in the etiology of hypertension.
There is significant variability among individuals in the cardiovascular responses to both physical and psychologic stimuli, a phenomenon called cardiovascular reactivity. The magnitude of cardiovascular reactivity may distinguish those prone to develop cardiovascular disease or differentiate pathophysiologic states among individuals who have existing pathologies such as hypertension. This article describes the cardiovascular reactivity hypothesis as a proposed mechanism of hypertension development. Furthermore, proposed mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of hyperreactivity are also discussed. The value of assessing stress-induced cardiovascular reactivity is evaluated with special regard to hypertension, and future avenues for nursing research are presented.
Potempa
K
K
Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005080:Exercise Test; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D015399:Nursing Research; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*