Allostatic load
Allostatic Load
Allostatic load (/əˌloʊˈstætɪk loʊd/) is a term coined in the field of biomedicine to describe the physiological consequences of chronic exposure to fluctuating or heightened neural or neuroendocrine response resulting from repeated or chronic stress. The term was first introduced by Bruce McEwen and Eliot Stellar in 1993.
Etymology
The term 'Allostatic load' is derived from two Greek words: 'allo' meaning variable and 'stasis' meaning standing still. Thus, it refers to the idea of achieving stability through change.
Definition
Allostatic load is the cumulative wear and tear on the body's systems owing to repeated adaptation to stressors. It represents the cost to the body of adaptation to adverse psychosocial or physical situations. It is a measure of the cumulative impact of stress, indicating how much damage stress has done to a person's body.
Related Terms
- Allostasis: The process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, through physiological or behavioral change.
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.
- Stress (biology): The body's method of reacting to a challenge or physical and mental barrier.
- Neuroendocrine: Referring to the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Measurement
Allostatic load can be measured through various biomarkers, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, serum high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
Implications
High allostatic load scores have been associated with poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. It is also linked to cognitive decline and mental health disorders.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Allostatic load
- Wikipedia's article - Allostatic load
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