Teenage Stress Primes Inflammatory Pump

A new study shows that teenagers in high stress situations¹ (family, peers, school) can elevate the inflammatory marker CRP (C reactive protein) for several years following the stress. Inflammation deactivates nerve function resulting in poor mood and more risk for depression. And the CRP can lead to cardiovascular distress and set the stage for plaque accumulation especially if the teen is eating poorly and gaining weight during the stressful time.

Teens, like everyone else, need good stress management skills, regular exercise, and relaxing activities. Otherwise, the path can be set in the direction of cardiovascular problems.

Andrew J. Fuligni, study co-author states “Although most research on stress and inflammation has focused upon adulthood, these results show that such links can occur as early as the teenage years, even among a healthy sample of young men and women. Our findings are consistent with the emerging body of evidence that points to the link between stress and increased inflammation, which places individuals at risk for the later development of cardiovascular disease.

It is never too early to learn to manage stress well.