In this Case Assignment, you will address the following in a 2- to 3-page essay:

First complete this exercise to identify the factors that have an effect on heart rate.

In your introductory paragraph, explain:

1. Which factors contributed to an increase in HR, and

2. Which factors contributed to a decrease in HR?

Now view the video Stress effects on the heart and read the following resources on hypertension and stress:

Stress and Blood Pressure, by the American Heart Association

Effect of psychological stress on blood pressure increase: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Gasperin, D et al. 2009. Cad. Saúde Pública, Rio de Janeiro, 25(4):715-726.

Based on what you read and observed, address the following questions in the body of your essay:

1. What is the risk of stress on the heart?

2. What are the contributions of the nervous system to the increased workload that the heart experiences when an individual is stressed?

3. Do some additional research to define "myocardial infarction risk." What do Gasperin et al. (2009) say about the relationship between stress and myocardial infarction risk?

4. Using the resources above, define "hypertension." Summarize the results reported by Gasperin et al. (2009) about stress and hypertension. What was successful in lowering hypertension?

5. In a conclusion paragraph write about what surprised you as you completed the readings/video for this Case study?