Lately, I’ve been dismayed by the many young patients (35-45) I’ve come across who’ve had heart attacks and strokes. Some have been physician colleagues of mine who eat well and do not drink or smoke.

Since heart attacks and strokes are basically the same thing (tissue dying due to clogged arteries), figured many would find this information helpful:

Earlier medical research has shown that

• Depression and
• Hostility

are both associated with heart attacks.

Now, a new study indicates that Chronic Anxiety is an additional important risk factor for heart attacks.

Can negative emotions twist, deform, and hurt your body? Perhaps so….

Reference: Shen B-J, Avivi YE, Todaro JF, et al. Anxiety characteristics independently and prospectively predict myocardial infarction in men. The unique contribution of anxiety among psychologic factors. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2007.09.033

Posted: Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Categories: Brain, Smartkit All Posts.