Abstract
Chronic stress and depression are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and poorer prognosis, and physical (in)activity may be a key underlying biobehavioral mechanism. Physical activity has antidepressant effects, and physically fitter, more active individuals seem to be more biologically resilient to psychosocial stressors. This article will present data from a series of population cohort studies and laboratory-based psychophysiological studies to explore the role of physical activity as a protective factor against the effects of psychosocial stress on cardiovascular disease. These mechanisms may improve the treatment and prevention of stress-related illnesses and, thus, has important implications for public health and clinical care of high-risk patients.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Affect / physiology
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Aged
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Blood Pressure / physiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
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Cardiovascular Diseases / psychology*
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Comorbidity
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Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
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Depressive Disorder / physiopathology
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Depressive Disorder / prevention & control
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Depressive Disorder / psychology
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Dopamine / physiology
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Exercise / physiology
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Exercise / psychology*
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Female
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Humans
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Inflammation / epidemiology
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Inflammation / physiopathology
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Inflammation / prevention & control
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Inflammation / psychology
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Inflammation Mediators / blood
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Longitudinal Studies
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Motor Activity* / physiology
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Neural Inhibition / physiology
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Neurosecretory Systems / physiopathology
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Risk Factors
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Stress, Psychological / complications*
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Stress, Psychological / physiopathology
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Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
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Vascular Resistance / physiology
Substances
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Inflammation Mediators
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Dopamine