High stress levels from teenage years to adulthood may significantly increase the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, followed 276 participants from the Southern California Children’s Health Study over a period of 11 years. The participants’ stress levels were initially reported by their parents during early childhood and were self-reported during adolescence and young adulthood.

The findings revealed that individuals with consistently high stress levels from adolescence to adulthood had a higher overall cardiometabolic risk, including increased carotid artery intima-media thickness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, they exhibited greater overall cardiometabolic risk, android/gynoid ratio, and percent body fat in adulthood compared to those with consistently low stress levels.

The study also highlighted the association between higher perceived stress in adulthood and increased cardiometabolic risk. The researchers emphasized the importance of promoting healthy coping strategies for stress management early in life, particularly during adolescence, to help prevent the development of cardiometabolic diseases.

These findings underscore the significance of addressing stress management in the early stages of life to mitigate the long-term risk of cardiometabolic diseases. By implementing effective stress management strategies during adolescence, individuals may be better equipped to prevent the onset of these potentially serious health conditions in adulthood.

As the research continues to shed light on the impact of stress on long-term health outcomes, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize early intervention and support for individuals experiencing high levels of stress during their formative years.