Stress directly affects the heart and blood vessels

Under the leadership of Joe Brown, a team of scientists has developed a unique technology that simultaneously monitors the activity of the brain, heart and blood vessels in response to stressful stimuli. They used neuroimaging and direct recording of neural activity in the neuroimaging laboratory at Swinburne University, which allowed them to observe exactly how the brain reacts to stress and how these reactions affect the body.

For the first time, it was possible to record clear and localized patterns of brain activity that occur simultaneously with an increase in blood pressure. This was the first step towards not just assuming, but clearly seeing the connection between the mental state and the physical response of the body.

Despite the successes, the researchers emphasize that it is not yet fully understood which neural pathways in the brain are responsible for converting psychological stress into a physiological response. That is, we know that stress affects blood pressure, but the exact mechanism of this reaction remains unknown. This creates a foundation for further research that will help us figure out exactly how the psyche translates experiences into bodily symptoms.

The data obtained can become the basis for the creation of new treatment methods, especially for people suffering from several conditions at once, for example, hypertension and anxiety disorders. Existing approaches often treat only one thing — either the mind or the body. But if their deep relationship is proven, doctors will be able to apply more comprehensive and individual therapy.

This approach will help not only to treat diseases that have already developed, but also to carry out effective prevention. If a person is under chronic stress, it may be worth monitoring blood pressure and heart rate at this stage to prevent possible complications.

This study highlights an important point: health is not only about physics, but also about the psyche. We live in a world where stress levels are constantly rising, and understanding how it affects the body is becoming more relevant. The work of Swinburne scientists is a significant step towards integrating neuroscience and cardiology, as well as creating a future medicine where a person will be perceived as an integrated system, rather than a set of disparate symptoms.