PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF A STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAM FOR HEALTHY MIDDLE-AGED ARMY OFFICERS

Stress reduction programs (SRPs) can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), This study evaluated the effect of an SRP on metabolic and hormonal risk factors for CAD. Twen ty army officers participating in an SRP, Group I, and a comparison gr oup of seventeen SRP nonparticipants, Group C, volunteered to undergo measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol, DHEA -S/cortisol ratio, testosterone, apolipoprotein-A1, apolipoprotein-B, triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen, and leukocyte count both befor e and after the SRP period. No differences in the changes in biochemic al risk factors for CAD were found between participant and nonparticip ant except for DHEA-S. While Group C had a marked reduction in DHEA-S levels, Group I had a small increase. Previous studies indicate DHEA-S is inversely associated with extent of CAD and age-adjusted DHEA-S le vels below 3.78 mumol/l confer an increased risk for CAD mortality. SR P participation appears to effect DHEA-S levels, possibly partially ac counting for the benefits observed in SRPs among CAD patients.