Which physiological pathway links work-related stress to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

The correct choice highlights the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular disease through the concept of heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is a measure of the variation in time between heartbeats and is influenced by the autonomic nervous system's activity. When an individual experiences chronic stress, including work-related stress, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, which can lead to reduced heart rate variability.

Lower HRV is associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased parasympathetic activity, which are indicative of a less adaptable cardiovascular system. This reduced adaptability may contribute to various cardiovascular issues, as a lower HRV can signal an increased risk of arrhythmias, hypertension, and ultimately, cardiovascular disease.

Understanding this link is critical because it underscores the importance of managing stress in occupational settings as a preventative measure for cardiovascular health. On the other hand, the other options, while related to cardiovascular risk, do not directly illustrate the physiological pathway through which work-related stress impacts cardiovascular disease as clearly as decreased heart rate variability does.