Experiences of demand and control in daily life as correlates of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in a healthy older sample.
Daily experiences of demand and control were examined as correlates of carotid artery atherosclerosis among healthy adults (ages 50-70). Mediating effects of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) were also explored. Participants (n=337) collected ABP and recorded daily experiences, using electronic diaries, over two 3-day periods. Carotid artery intima-medial thickness (IMT) was assessed using ultrasonography. Participants reporting higher task demands during daily life showed larger IMT, after adjustment for demographic covariates. This association was not limited to workplace ratings or to employed individuals. The association was mediated, in part, by daytime systolic blood pressure. Previous findings linking job stress with cardiovascular disease may reflect the broader impact of daily psychological demands, not necessarily associated with the workplace.
Kamarck
Thomas W
TW
Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. tkam@pitt.edu
Muldoon
Matthew F
MF
Shiffman
Saul
S
Sutton-Tyrrell
Kim
K
Gwaltney
Chad
C
Janicki
Denise L
DL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography