Functional state of terminal muscular arteries and distributing arterioles in men with different levels of psychosocial stress

Aim. To study the functional state of terminal muscular arteries and distributing arterioles using transmission photoplethysmography (PPG) in men of working age with different levels of psychosocial stress (PS).
Material and methods. 200 men (50.9±1.0 years) underwent physical examination, anthropometry, assessment of the PS level using the Reeder test adapted by O. S. Kopina, biochemical blood test (total cholesterol (TC) and lipid profile, glucose, C-reactive protein), 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and transmission PPG of the left-hand index finger. All subjects were classified into 5 ordered groups depending on the distribution of stress indicators by quintiles: Group 1 consisted of 43 men with low stress level (3.57-4.0 points), Group 2 – 38 men with medium-low level (3.28-3.43 points), Group 3 – 41 men with medium level (2.9-3.14 points), Group 4 – 47 men with medium-high level (2.57-2.9 points), and Group 5 – 31 men with high stress level (1.43-2.57 points).
Results. The results of the primary analysis demonstrated a significant increase in pulse wave velocity (aSI) in working-age men with increasing PS level (p=0.042), as well as a non-significant trend towards greater vascular stiffness (Alp75) of terminal muscular arteries and distributing arterioles in the moderate and moderatehigh PS groups (p=0.089). Results of multiple regression analysis adjusted for body mass index, ABPM, smoking, cholesterol, and drug therapy demonstrated that arterial stiffness (Alp75) was higher in the groups with medium (B=6.18; p=0.026) and medium-high (B=6.27; p=0.023) PS levels compared to high. No reliable associations were found between the PS level and the pulse wave velocity (aSI) and smooth muscle tone (RI) of the studied vessels in men of working age.
Conclusion. In men of working age with medium and medium-high PS levels, an increase in vascular stiffness, in addition to elastic and large-elastic arteries, can also develop at the level of terminal muscular arteries and distributing arterioles. Reducing the level of PS with a possible concomitant decrease in arterial stiffness in order to reduce the risk of development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and improve the quality of life of patients seems to be an urgent therapeutic task.

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