Inhibition of Cortisol Production With Metyrapone Prevents Mental Stress-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Baroreflex Impairment

Stress-related endothelial dysfunction and BRS impairment can be prevented by blocking cortisol production with metyrapone, demonstrating a direct or facilitative role for cortisol in these phenomena and suggesting mechanisms by which stress contributes to CHD and sudden cardiac death.