Researchers from Erasmus University have identified a compelling link between stress hormones found in hair and the future risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings were shared with attendees at the European Obesity Congress held in Dublin, where scientists outlined a method that could complement traditional risk assessments. The core idea is simple in concept but powerful in potential: long-term exposure to stress hormones, measured in hair, may reflect physiological processes that influence heart and vessel health over time. This approach stands in contrast to blood tests, which capture only momentary snapshots and can fluctuate with daily rhythms, recent activities, or acute stressors. By focusing on hair, the study taps into a record of hormonal exposure spanning weeks to months, offering a more stable gauge of chronic stress levels and their possible cardiovascular implications.
