Elevated hair cortisol levels associated with cardiovascular risks in a large middle-aged Swedish population

Abstract

Abstract In this population-based study of long-term stress exposure measured by hair cortisol (HCC), a cohort of 4 821 Swedish middle-aged people was analysed in relation to cardiovascular risks and diseases. The study shows that HCC was significantly associated with the major classical cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and elevated cholesterol. Those with elevated HCC levels also had a significantly increased pre-history of myocardial infarction, Type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and coronary bypass surgery or PCI. Furthermore, HCC was strongly associated with risk markers like glucose levels, leukocytes, and high-sensitivity CRP, all with values above the reference intervals. These findings indicate a linkage between HCC and inflammation and the bodily immune defense. Altogether, these analyses of HCC in a large middle-aged population indicate that chronically elevated cortisol levels represent a relevant and significant factor associated with cardiovascular diseases and classical cardiovascular risk factors.