Hearts on the line: Anxiety and depression as silent accelerators of cardiovascular disease
NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Two groundbreaking studies were presented at the American Heart Association’s 2023 Scientific Sessions that shed light on the close connection between mental health and heart health.
These studies have shown that depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can accelerate the onset of cardiovascular risk factors and major events.
The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to treatment that considers both mental and physical health.
The heart and mind have a deep connection, and psychological factors play an important role in cardiovascular health.
Depression, anxiety and chronic stress have long been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. New research confirms this connection and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying it.
Study 1: Depression and anxiety as catalysts for cardiovascular disease risk factors:
The study, conducted in Boston, aimed to understand how depression and anxiety contribute to the development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have found that people with increased genetic sensitivity to stress exhibit these risk factors at a younger age compared to those who do not have this genetic marker.
This finding suggests that genetic predisposition in combination with psychiatric disorders may accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease.
Study 2: Cumulative stress and its impact on cardiovascular health:
Another study was conducted in Dallas that examined the cumulative effects of stress on cardiovascular health.
Researchers have found that chronic stress promotes unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, which can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and other known risk factors for heart disease.
This study highlights the importance of managing stress to maintain heart health.
Renowned cardiologist Dr. Glenn N. Levine, chairman of the American Heart Association’s Committee on Psychological Health, Well-Being and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection, emphasizes the clear connection between psychological health and cardiovascular disease risk.
He emphasizes that these new studies add to a growing body of evidence linking negative mental health to heart and brain disease.
Dr. Levine’s statement highlights the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that considers mental health alongside physical health.
“In our study, we identified a mechanism that appears to largely explain the association between these psychological factors and cardiovascular disease.” – Dr. Giovanni Chivieri, lead author of the Boston study.
“These studies add to the growing body of evidence we have about how negative psychological health may increase the risk of heart and brain disease.” – Dr. Glenn N. Levine, FAHA.
Research presented at the 2023 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between mental health and heart health.
Depression, anxiety and chronic stress can accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease risk factors, leading to serious events such as heart attacks and strokes.
The findings highlight the importance of attention to mental health as an integral part of cardiovascular disease management. By taking a holistic approach that considers both mind and body, healthcare providers can better protect their patients from the devastating effects of cardiovascular disease.
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