VARIATIONS IN PLASMA-LIPID CONCENTRATION DURING EXAMINATION STRESS

The effect of psychological stress on plasma lipids was studied in 40 law students (20 men and 20 women). Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein concentrations were examined at the beginning of th e quarter and during the week before final examinations. Cortisol, blo od pressure, and heart rate, and self-reports of stress and workload w ere also measured to verify that examinations were associated with inc reased stress levels. Perceived stress, perceived workload, and cortis ol increased before examinations. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased 5.8 +/- 13.9 mg/dL, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) inc reased 2.9 +/- 4.0 mg/dL. High density lipoprotein cholesterol decreas ed in women only. These changes were not due to changes in dietary int ake or indexes of plasma volume. However, changes in cortisol and chan ges in LDL-C and apo B were associated, suggesting a neuroendocrine co mponent to the effects. These results suggest that episodic, stressful situations may lead to potentially atherogenic changes in lipid and l ipoprotein concentrations.