Psychosocial stress and cardiovascular disease risk: the role of physical activity

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 appear to be more biologically resilient to psychosocial stressors. This paper 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 treatment and prevention of stress-related illnesses, and thus has important implications for public health and clinical care of high-risk patients.