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Lipid and Lipoprotein Responses to Episodic Occupational and Academic Stress
Raymond Niaura, PhD;
Peter N. Herbert, MD;
Ann L. Saritelli, RN;
Michael G. Goldstein, MD;
Mary M. Flynn, RD;
Michael J. Follick, PhD;
Larry Gorkin, PhD;
David K. Ahern, PhD
Arch Intern Med. 1991;151(11):2172-2179.
Abstract
We examined the effects of psychological stress on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels in three related studies. In the first study, tax accountants (N = 20) and a comparable control group (N = 20) were assessed during and after the tax season. In the second and third studies, first-year medical students (N = 24 and N =16) were assessed at midsemester and immediately before the examinations. Across studies, the stressors induced significant psychological distress. There were no corresponding changes in lipid and lipoprotein levels. Mean stress-induced change in total cholesterol level was -0.04 mmol/L ( — 1.6 mg/dL) (95% confidence interval, —0.23 to 0.16 mmol/L [ — 9 to 6 mg/dL]) for the accountants and 0 mmol/L (0 mg/dL) (95% confidence interval, — 0.16 to 0.21 mmol/L —6 to 8 mg/dL]) and 0.10 mmol/L (4 mg/dL) (95% confidence interval, —0.18 to 0.39 mmol/L [—7 to 15 mg/dL]) for medical students in the second and third studies, respectively. In all studies, change in total cholesterol level correlated with change in total serum protein levels (r=.42 to.60). These results suggest that commonly occurring stressful situations do not produce significant changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels.
(Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:2172-2179)
Author Affiliations
From the Divisions of Behavioral Medicine (Drs Niaura, Goldstein, Follick, Gorkin, and Ahern) and Nutrition/Metabolism (Dr Herbert and Mss Saritelli and Flynn), The Miriam Hospital and Brown University Program in Medicine, Providence, RI.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication May 31, 1991.
Reprint requests to Division of Behavioral Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 (Dr Niaura).
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