Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Childhood Stress, Emotional Distress, and Cardiovascular Function in Adolescents

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Psychocardiology

  • 2002 Accesses

Abstract

Associations between depression, chronic stress, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are often reported in the literature, suggesting that individuals with poor psychological health are at a higher risk for developing CVD and CVD-related mortality. Much of the research in this area has been carried out among adult populations, but there is growing evidence that the origins of these relationships occur at a much younger age. In the current chapter, the childhood and adolescent literature is reviewed with a focus on the effects of depression and psychosocial stress on a set of intermediary markers for CVD, namely, endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Findings arising from the adolescent phase of the Lifestyle of Our Kids (LOOK) study, a collaborative longitudinal study, are presented. From these findings, it is clear that children as young as 12 years old are already experiencing stress and depressive symptoms and more so in less fit and fatter children. Although we did not uncover any direct impact of psychological health on cardiovascular function, given the risks associated with low fitness and obesity, depression and psychosocial stress in childhood and adolescence may be exerting an early impact on the risk of developing CVD in later life.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 599.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 799.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Allen, M. T., & Patterson, S. M. (1995). Hemoconcentration and stress: A review of physiological mechanisms and relevance for cardiovascular disease risk. Biological Psychology, 41, 1–27.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Allison, K. R., Adlaf, E. M., Irving, H. M., Hatch, J. L., Smith, T. F., Dwyer, J. J., & Goodman, J. (2005). Relationship of vigorous physical activity to psychologic distress among adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 37, 164–166. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.08.017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Mental health of young people (Report No. 4840.0.55.001). Retrieved from. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4840.0.55.001/.

  • Baum, A., & Posluszny, D. M. (1999). Health psychology: Mapping biobehavioral contributions to health and illness. Annual Review of Psychology, 50, 137–164.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonetti, P. O., Pumper, G. M., Higano, S. T., Holmes, D. R., Kuvin, J. T., & Lerman, A. (2004). Noninvasive identification of patients with early coronary atherosclerosis by assessment of digital reactive hyperemia. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 44, 2137–2141.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bruyndonckx, L., Radtke, T., Eser, P., Vrints, C. J., Ramet, J., Wilhelm, M., & Conraads, V. M. (2013). Methodological considerations and practical recommendations for the application of peripheral arterial tonometry in children and adolescents. International Journal of Cardiology, 168, 3183–3190. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.07.236.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Byrne, D., & Mazanov, J. (2003). Adolescent stress and future smoking behaviour: A prospective investigation. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 54, 313–321.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Byrne, D. G., Davenport, S. C., & Mazanov, J. (2007). Profiles of adolescent stress: The development of the adolescent stress questionnaire (ASQ). Journal of Adolescence, 30, 393–416. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.04.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Byrne, D. G., Thomas, K. A., Burchell, J. L., Olive, L. S., & Mirabito, N. S. (2011). Stressor experience in primary school-aged children: Development of a scale to assess profiles of exposure and effects on psychological well-being. International Journal of Stress Management, 18, 88–111. doi:10.1037/a0021577.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cartwright, M., Wardle, J., Steggles, N., Simon, A. E., Croker, H., & Jarvis, M. J. (2003). Stress and dietary practices in adolescents. Health Psychology, 22, 362–369.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y., Dangardt, F., Osika, W., Berggren, K., Gronowitz, E., & Friberg, P. (2012). Age- and sex-related differences in vascular function and vascular response to mental stress. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in a cohort of healthy children and adolescents. Atherosclerosis, 220, 269–274. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.10.030.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dietz, L. J., & Matthews, K. A. (2011). Depressive symptoms and subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease in adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48, 579–584.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dong, M., Giles, W. H., Felitti, V. J., Dube, S. R., Williams, J. E., Chapman, D. P., & Anda, R. F. (2004). Insights into causal pathways for ischemic heart disease: Adverse childhood experiences study. Circulation, 110, 1761–1766. doi:10.1161/01.cir.0000143074.54995.7f.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eiland, L., & Romeo, R. D. (2013). Stress and the developing adolescent brain. Neuroscience, 249, 162–171. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.10.048.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiadoni, L., Donald, A. E., Cropley, M., Mullen, M. J., Oakley, G., Taylor, M., . . . Deanfield, J. E. (2000). Mental stress induces transient endothelial dysfunction in humans. Circulation, 102, 2473–2478.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldfield, G. S., Henderson, K., Buchholz, A., Obeid, N., Nguyen, H., & Flament, M. F. (2011). Physical activity and psychological adjustment in adolescents. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 8, 157–163.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gottdiener, J. S., Kop, W. J., Hausner, E., McCeney, M. K., Herrington, D., & Krantz, D. S. (2003). Effects of mental stress on flow-mediated brachial arterial dilation and influence of behavioral factors and hypercholesterolemia in subjects without cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Cardiology, 92, 687–691.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, K. E., Compas, B. E., Stuchlmacher, A. F., Thurn, A. E., McMahon, S. D., & Halpert, J. A. (2003). Stressors and child and adolescent psychopathology: Moving from markers to mechanisms of risk. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 447–466.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, K. E., Compas, B. E., Thurm, A. E., McMahon, S. D., & Gipson, P. Y. (2004). Stressors and child and adolescent psychopathology: Measurement issues and prospective effects. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 33, 412–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grippo, A. J., & Johnson, A. K. (2002). Biological mechanisms in the relationship between depression and heart disease. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 26, 941–962. doi:10.1016/s0149-7634(03)00003-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grippo, A. J., & Johnson, A. K. (2009). Stress, depression and cardiovascular dysregulation: A review of neurobiological mechanisms and the integration of research from preclinical disease models. Stress, 12, 1–21. doi:10.1080/10253890802046281.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Heitzer, T., Schlinzig, T., Krohn, K., Meinertz, T., & Münzel, T. (2001). Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Circulation, 104, 2673–2678. doi:10.1161/hc4601.099485.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Itamar-Medical. (2015). Retrieved 20 Jan 2015, from http://www.itamar-medical.com/Support/FAQ_EndoPAT%E2%84%A2.

  • Korkeila, J., Vahtera, J., Korkeila, K., Kivimaki, M., Sumanen, M., Koskenvuo, K., & Koskenvuo, M. (2010). Childhood adversities as predictors of incident coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Heart, 96, 298–303. doi:10.1136/hrt.2009.188250.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs, M. (1982). The children’s depression inventory. Toronto: Multi-Health Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs, M. (1992). Children’s depression inventory manual. North Tonawanda: Multi-Health Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lerman, A., & Zeiher, A. M. (2005). Endothelial function: Cardiac events. Circulation, 111, 363–368.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Logan, J. G., Barksdale, D. J., Carlson, J., Carlson, B. W., & Rowsey, P. J. (2012). Psychological stress and arterial stiffness in Korean Americans. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 73, 53–58. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.04.008.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Duran, N. L., Kovacs, M., & George, C. J. (2009). Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation in depressed children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 3, 1272–1283. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Low, C. A., Salomon, K., & Matthews, K. A. (2009). Chronic life stress, cardiovascular reactivity, and subclinical cardiovascular disease in adolescents. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71, 927–931.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mattace-Raso, F. U. S., van der Cammen, T. J. M., Hofman, A., van Popele, N. M., Bos, M. L., Schalekamp, M. A. D. H., . . . Witteman, J. C. M. (2006). Arterial stiffness and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: The Rotterdam Study. Circulation, 113, 657–663. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.105.555235.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKay, M. T., Percy, A., & Byrne, D. G. (2014). Support for the multidimensional adolescent stress questionnaire in a sample of adolescents in the United Kingdom. Stress and Health. doi:10.1002/smi.2570. early online.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michaud, C., Kahn, J. P., Musse, N., Burlet, C., Nicolas, J. P., & Mejean, L. (1990). Relationships between a critical life event and eating behaviour in high-school students. Stress Medicine, 6, 57–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Midei, A. J., & Matthews, K. A. (2009). Social relationships and negative emotional traits are associated with central adiposity and arterial stiffness in healthy adolescents. Health Psychology, 28, 347–353.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Olive, L. S., Byrne, D. G., Cunningham, R. B., Telford, R. D., & Telford, R. M. (2014). Depression and body image in children: Is physical activity beneficial and how is this translated into clinical practice? Lifestyle of our Kids study. Paper presented at the Australian Conference Of Science And Medicine In Sport: Be Active, Canberra.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osika, W., Montgomery, S. M., Dangardt, F., Wahrborg, P., Gan, L. M., Tideman, E., & Friberg, P. (2011). Anger, depression and anxiety associated with endothelial function in childhood and adolescence. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 96, 38–43. doi:10.1136/adc.2008.152777.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira, V. H., Cerqueira, J. J., Palha, J. A., & Sousa, N. (2013). Stressed brain, diseased heart: A review on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of neurocardiology. International Journal of Cardiology, 166, 30–37. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.03.165.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poitras, V. J., & Pyke, K. E. (2013). The impact of acute mental stress on vascular endothelial function: Evidence, mechanisms and importance. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 88, 124–135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sakuragi, S., Abhayaratna, K., Gravenmaker, K. J., O'Reilly, C., Srikusalankui, W., Budge, M. M., Telford, R. D., & Abhayaratna, W. P. (2009). Influence of adiposity and physical activity on arterial stiffness in healthy children: the lifestyle of our kids study. Hypertension, 53, 611–616.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selamet Tierney, E. S., Newburger, J. W., Gauvreau, K., Geva, J., Coogan, E., Colan, S. D., & de Ferranti, S. D. (2009). Endothelial pulse amplitude testing: Feasibility and reproducibility in adolescents. Journal of Pediatrics, 154, 901–905. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.12.028.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Seldenrijk, A., van Hout, H. P., van Marwijk, H. W., de Groot, E., Gort, J., Rustemeijer, C., . . . Penninx, B. W. (2011). Depression, anxiety, and arterial stiffness. Biological Psychiatry, 69, 795–803.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spieker, L. E., Hurlimann, D., Ruschitzka, F., Corti, R., Enseleit, F., Shaw, S., . . . Noll, G. (2002). Mental stress induces prolonged endothelial dysfunction via endothelin-A receptors. Circulation, 105, 2817–2820.

    Google Scholar 

  • Su, S., Wang, X., Kapuku, G. K., Treiber, F. A., Pollock, D. M., Harshfield, G. A., . . . Pollock, J. S. (2014). Adverse childhood experiences are associated with detrimental hemodynamics and elevated circulating endothelin-1 in adolescents and young adults. Hypertension, 64, 201–207. doi:10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02755.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takase, B., Akima, T., Uehata, A., Ohsuzu, F., & Kurita, A. (2004). Effect of chronic stress and sleep deprivation on both flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery and the intracellular magnesium level in humans. Clinical Cardiology, 27, 223–227.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Telford, R. D., Bass, S. L., Budge, M. M., Byrne, D. G., Carlson, J. S., Coles, D., . . . Waring, P. (2009). The lifestyle of our kids (LOOK) project: Outline of methods. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12, 156–163. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2007.03.009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Telford, R. M., Telford, R. D., Cunningham, R. B., Cochrane, T., Davey, R., & Waddington, G. (2013). Longitudinal patterns of physical activity in children aged 8 to 12 years: The LOOK study. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-10-81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Telford, R. D., Cunningham, R. B., Waring, P., Potter, J. E., Hickman, P. E., Telford, R. M., & Abhayaratna, W. P. (2014). Sensitivity of blood lipids to changes in adiposity, fitness and diet: The LOOK longitudinal study. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-10-81. Epub ahead of print.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomfohr, L. M., Martin, T. M., & Miller, G. E. (2008). Symptoms of depression and impaired endothelial function in healthy adolescent women. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31, 137–143. doi:10.1007/s10865-007-9141-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tomfohr, L. M., Murphy, M. L., Miller, G. E., & Puterman, E. (2011). Multiwave associations between depressive symptoms and endothelial function in adolescent and young adult females. Psychosomatic Medicine, 73, 456–461. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e3182228644.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vlachopoulos, C., Kosmopoulou, F., Alexopoulos, N., Ioakeimidis, N., Siasos, G., & Stefanadis, C. (2006). Acute mental stress has a prolonged unfavorable effect on arterial stiffness and wave reflections. Psychosomatic Medicine, 68, 231–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vlachopoulos, C., Aznaouridis, K., & Stefanadis, C. (2010). Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 55, 1318–1327. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2009.10.061.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organisation. (2012). Risks to mental health: An overview of vulnerabilities and risk factors. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/risks_to_mental_health_EN_27_08_12.pdf.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Building 39, Science Road, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Lisa Olive

  2. ANU Medical School, College of Medicine Biology and Environment, Australian National University, 54 Mills Road, 2601, Acton, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Don Byrne

  3. Research Institute of Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, 2601, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Richard Telford

  4. ANU Medical School, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Building 4, Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, 2606, Garran, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Walter Abhayaratna

  5. Academic Unit of Internal Medicine, Canberra Hospital, Building 4, Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, 2606, Garran, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Walter Abhayaratna

  6. Centre for Research and Action in Public Health, University of Canberra, Building 22, Floor B, University of Canberra, University Drive, 2617, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Rohan Telford

Authors
  1. Lisa Olive
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Don Byrne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Richard Telford
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Walter Abhayaratna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Rohan Telford
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lisa Olive .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Marlies E. Alvarenga

  2. ANU Medical School, Australia National University, Canberra, Aust Capital Terr, Australia

    Don Byrne

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this entry

Cite this entry

Olive, L., Byrne, D., Telford, R., Abhayaratna, W., Telford, R. (2016). Childhood Stress, Emotional Distress, and Cardiovascular Function in Adolescents. In: Alvarenga, M., Byrne, D. (eds) Handbook of Psychocardiology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-206-7_13

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation