Mental Stress Linked to Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Women with Chest Pain and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the Mayo College of Medicine has found a significant association between chronic mental stress (MS) and coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) in women with chest pain and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The study, published in the International Journal of Cardiology Heart & Vasculature, evaluated the relationship between MS and CED in 211 patients, with 142 (67.3%) exhibiting any type of CED. Logistic regression analyses revealed that MS was associated with any type of CED in females, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.70 (95% CI: 1.24-6.25; p = 0.0156).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 211 patients, with 142 (67.3%) exhibiting any type of CED.
  • In females with significant MS, there was a higher proportion of individuals with any type of CED compared to those without CED (43 (42.6%) vs. 12 (24.5%); p = 0.0362).
  • Chronic MS was associated with CED in females, with a multivariable analysis showing an OR of 2.70 (95% CI: 1.24-6.25; p = 0.0156).
  • The research concluded that chronic MS may underlie the mechanism for chest pain in these patients and contribute to cardiovascular disease through its association with endothelial dysfunction.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering mental stress as a potential contributor to cardiovascular disease in women with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD.
  • The findings suggest that addressing mental stress may be a crucial aspect of managing cardiovascular disease in this population.

Statistics:

  • 142 (67.3%) of the patients exhibited any type of CED.
  • In females with significant MS, 43 (42.6%) had any type of CED compared to 12 (24.5%) without CED (p = 0.0362).
  • The OR for the association between MS and any type of CED in females was 2.70 (95% CI: 1.24-6.25; p = 0.0156).

Sources:

  • International Journal of Cardiology Heart & Vasculature, 2025; 61: 101802.
  • Nazanin Rajai, Dept. of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.