Final answer:
Option D, stating that episodic factors such as depression may increase the buildup of unstable plaque, is in line with research showing that combined psychosocial stressors have a significant predictive power for heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Concerning the question, Which of the following is true of psychosocial risk factors for cardiovascular disease? The most supported statement is D: Episodic factors like depression may increase the buildup of "unstable" plaque. Substantial research suggests that emotional states such as depression, anxiety, hostility, and anger can contribute to the risk of developing heart disease. More specifically, a study on Vietnam War veterans by Boyle, Michalek, & Suarez in 2006 showed that when these emotional states are combined into a single psychological risk factor, they predict heart disease more strongly than any individual factor. Long-term psychosocial factors are related to the development of cardiovascular disease through several mechanisms, including promoting the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaques in arteries). While acute emotional events might trigger a cardiac event in those already having cardiovascular disease, chronic psychosocial factors often influence long-term disease trajectory rather than triggering immediate plaque rupture. Psychosocial risk factors, such as chronic stress, depression, and social isolation, have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In particular, episodes of acute psychological stress or depression may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries) and increase the likelihood of unstable plaque formation. Unstable plaque is more prone to rupture, leading to the formation of blood clots and potentially triggering cardiovascular events like heart attacks. Therefore, option D is a true statement regarding psychosocial risk factors for cardiovascular disease.