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Background

We examined the relation between cardiovascular reactivity (the response of the cardiovascular system to psychological stress) and the severity and progression of carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

Using duplex ultrasonography, we measured the change in the area of all detectable plaques in the extracranial carotid arteries during 2 years. Cardiovascular reactivity was assessed by measuring changes in hemodynamics during a frustrating cognitive task (the Stroop Color Word Interference Task). Established risk factors for atherosclerosis were measured by interviewing patients, a physical examination, and blood assays for 351 subjects with a wide range of types of atherosclerotic disease.

Results

Atherosclerotic plaques were present in the carotid arteries of 273 (78%) subjects. In a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis, it was found that greater age (β= 0.46), a history of hypertension (β= 0.20 …