Further studies on cholesterol levels in the Johns Hopkins medical students: The effect of stress at examinations

Abstract

1. 1. Serum cholesterol determinations on 52 male medical students were carried out at admission to medical school (Test I), at final anatomy examination (Test II), and during a period of regular academic work (Test III). 2. 2. The mean cholesterol levels at Tests I and II were significantly higher than at Test III. 3. 3. The cholesterol levels of two additional subjects showed a similar pattern when the values at final biochemistry examination (Text IV) were compared with Test III. 4. 4. For certain students, Test III fell close to the final biochemistry examination; the fall from Test II to Test III was less marked in these subjects. 5. 5. The total eosinophil count was significantly lower at Test II than Test III. 6. 6. There was no significant difference in body weight between Tests I, II, and III. 7. 7. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that stress such as accompanies the first few weeks of medical school or important final examinations is accompanied by a significant mean rise in cholesterol level.