Can urine test predict cardiovascular disease? Hypertension research

Recently, a study by Hypertension suggested that detecting cortisol levels in urine can predict the risk of cardiovascular events.

The study was a subanalysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and included 412 adults aged 48 to 87 years.

The researchers analyzed levels of the hormones norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine and cortisol, which respond to stress levels. Hormone levels were measured during a 12-hour overnight urine test.

During a median follow-up period of 6.5 years, the risk of developing hypertension increased by 21% to 31% for every doubling of levels of the four stress hormones.

During an average follow-up of 11.2 years, each doubling of urinary cortisol levels was associated with a 90% increased risk of cardiovascular events.

The researchers pointed out that determining psychological stress through a single urine test can predict the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular events. If additional screening helps prevent hypertension and cardiovascular events, monitoring these hormone levels will have clinical value, which needs further study.

The authors suggest that adults with normal blood pressure may be more likely to develop hypertension and cardiovascular events if they have higher levels of stress hormones than those with lower levels.

Research has shown that cumulative exposure to daily and traumatic stressors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that a person's thoughts can positively or negatively affect cardiovascular health.

Stress hormones such as norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine, and cortisol increase with stress from life, work, relationships, finances, and more.

Studies have shown that these stresses are key factors in the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular events.

Source: China Circulation Magazine