Publication Name	World Journal of Cardiology
Manuscript ID	119108
Country	Italy

Category	Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Manuscript Type	Review
Article Title	Mental stress: A novel cardiovascular risk factor
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Maurizio Giuseppe Abrignani, Nicolò Renda, Vincenzo Abrignani, Alberto Lombardo and Fabiana Lucà
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Maurizio Giuseppe Abrignani, MD, Operative Unit of Cardiology, P. Borsellino Hospital, ASP Trapani, 175 Via Salemi, Marsala 91025, Trapani, Italy. maur.abri@alice.it
Key Words	Stress; Cardiovascular diseases; Risk factors; Epidemiology; Prevention
Core Tip	Many acute coronary syndromes and strokes occur in patients without traditional risk factors. This highlights the growing importance of psychosocial factors, especially mental stress, as recognized by recent guidelines. Acute stress can trigger severe cardiovascular (CV) events, while chronic stress - often linked to ongoing personal or professional issues - promotes inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to atherosclerosis. Mental stress tests can induce transient myocardial ischemia even without significant coronary obstruction. Therapeutic strategies targeting stress reduction may help lower CV risk. This narrative review synthesizes epidemiological data and explores potential mechanisms regarding interactions between stress and CV disease, outlining future research directions.
Citation	Abrignani MG, Renda N, Abrignani V, Lombardo A, Lucà F. Mental stress: A novel cardiovascular risk factor. World J Cardiol 2026; In press

Received	2026-01-19 01:31
Peer-Review Started	2026-01-19 01:32
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-02-03 09:43
Return for Revision	2026-02-03 09:43
Revised	2026-02-17 22:33
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-04-23 02:37
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-04-23 09:58
Articles in Press	2026-04-23 09:58
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1949-8462 (online)
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Copyright	©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
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