Limitless Challenges Effect Heart

Limitless Challenges Effect Heart

A study in the journal Psychophysiology suggests that an unfixed challenge, where one is allowed to work as hard as they wish, is likely to raise blood pressure and heart rate more than a fixed challenge, where one performs up to a specified level. Researchers asked subjects to perform fixed or unfixed challenges to study cardiovascular responses. The blood pressure and heart rate responses were greater in the unfixed challenge group.

UAB psychologist Rex Wright, Ph.D., the study's lead author, says a link between pronounced cardiovascular responses and negative health outcomes isn't certain, but most common models of heart disease and hypertension include an overworked cardiovascular system as a risk factor. Therefore, the type of challenge one faces in daily life could be associated with health risks.

Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].

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