Question

In a survey, researchers found that mindfulness practices were associated with less heart disease. Make a logical argument that stress causes heart disease. How could a true experimental design strengthen the argument? Explain how your designed study would be undertaken.

Answer 1

Mindfulness refers to a meditation in which the individual is aware of the self. It helps to relieve stress, treat hypertension, alleviate chronic pain, promote sleep, and to treat ailments. Meditation involves sitting in a comfortable position closing eyes and breathing. Relaxing all muscles and repeating it for 5-10 minutes. According to American heart association there is more benefits associated with medication on heart health. Often stress associated with heart diseases the meditation techniques reduces stress level and promotes overall fitness.

Research studies proves the effectiveness of medication and cardiovascular risk reduction. Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of mortality. Stress normally increases adrenaline rush in the body that results in stimulation of sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and blood pressure. This is called as fight or flight reaction. But when we are exposed to constant stress there is marked changes in the sleep and behavior. It contributes to poor eating habits,chronic among and alcohol consumption.

Experimental design to find the relation between stress and cardiovascular diseases are population based cohort study. A study is planned to determine the link between stress and cardiovascular diseases among workers in information technology. A questionnaire is designed to assess the current stress level, exposure to stressors in the past,existing health issues, symptoms of cardiovascular disorders like high blood pressure,palpitations,fainting,light headedness. Based on the data the impact of stress on the heart health can be evaluated from the participants.