Fig. 1.

Mechanisms of stress on cardiovascular physiology. Chronic and acute stressors contribute to an increased inflammatory response and autonomic imbalance, which can lead to adverse cardiometabolic effects, endothelial dysfunction, abnormal vascular reactivity, and abnormal immune function. These factors ultimately can contribute to adverse cardiovascular events. ACTH, adrenocorticotrophic hormone; CAM, cell adhesion molecules; E, epinephrine; HTN, hypertension; MMP, matrix metalloproteinases; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NE, norepinephrine; RAS, renin-angiotensin system. Figure created using BioRender.com