Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP, Coursework Example

Stress triggers neurohormonal responses that contribute to the development of hypertension and coronary artery disease. The risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease can result from both physical and mental stress. Stress causes hypertension by releasing vasoconstricting hormones into the blood that ultimately increase blood pressure (Kulkarni et al., 1998). However, it is reasonable to consider that different individuals have different sensitivities to these hormones, which can contribute to the degree to which they contribute to hypertension in individual cases. Elevated blood pressure is a risk for coronary artery disease. Thus, when blood pressure increases and remains high over a long period of time, an individual becomes more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, although other contributing factors to disease development exist (Marshall et al., 2012). It is therefore arguable that stress can contribute to hypertension and related disorders. While the stress response system is necessary in order to maintain health, when this system is needed in excess, it could contribute to detrimental health effects.

Cortisol prepares a glucose supply to ready the body for sympathetic responses, increasing blood pressure (Nagele et al., 2014). While there is a constantly supply of cortisol in the body, increased cortisol production has the ability to impact body metabolism. Therefore, when produced, cortisol increases blood glucose levels and reduces inflammation as its exposure is continued. This feedback system is used to maintain homeostasis. Ultimately, this response system is beneficial because it helps regulate pituitary gland activity along with several other hormones. Cortisol production could also be impacted by environmental factors. For example, massage therapy and the use of magnesium tablets following exercise have the potential to reduce cortisol concentrations.

Works Cited

Marshall IJ, Wolfe CD, McKevitt C. Lay perspectives on hypertension and drug adherence: systematic review of qualitative research. BMJ, 345(2012): e3953.

McCance, KL., Huether, SE., Brashers, VL., & Rote, NS. Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease for adults and children (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier, 2010.

Nagele Eva, Jeitler Klaus, Horvath Karl, Semlitsch Thomas, Posch Nicole, Herrmann Kirsten H, Grouven Ulrich, Hermanns Tatjana, Hemkens Lars G, Siebenhofer Andrea. Clinical effectiveness of stress-reduction techniques in patients with hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 32.10(2014):1936–1944.