"The study suggests that people with psychological
stress had a 50 percent increased risk of a cardiovascular disease
event over the follow-up period," said Mark Hamer, senior research
fellow in epidemiology and public health at University College London,
and lead author of a report in the Dec. 16/23 issue of the
Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
"This increased risk can largely be explained by the higher smoking
rates and low exercise levels of individuals who were stressed."
The Scottish health study, conducted by Hamer and his colleagues started with 6,576 participants filling out a 12-item
questionnaire that measured their general happiness, symptoms of depression or anxiety and any recent sleep
disturbances.
The results showed:
- Approximately 15 percent of the people in the study could be
classified as suffering from psychosocial stress.
- Incidence of cardiovascular events -- heart attacks, stroke,
bypass surgery and the like -- was 50 percent higher among the people
with a high level of depression and anxiety when compared to happier
people.
- Smoking and lack of physical activity explained about 63
percent of the increase.
- Smoking was responsible for 41 percent.
- Alcohol responsible for less than 2 percent of the increase.
- High blood pressure could be blamed for 13 percent.
"Therefore,
treating psychological disorders that aim to reduce cardiovascular
disease risk should not only focus on the symptoms, but also on
behavioral risk factors," Hamer said. "It would be beneficial for
cardiologists to work with psychologists."
In such a program,
"the most effective interventions might be to combine physiological
approaches with intensive lifestyle changes to reduce modifiable risk
factors," he said.
The two critical factors that need immediate attention are: 1. Smoking cessation 2. Increased physical activity.
SOURCES: Mark Hamer, Ph.D., senior research fellow, epidemiology and
public health, University College London, England; Dec. 16/23, 2008, Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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