Anxiety Increases Risk of Heart Disease and Heart Attack

Anxiety sufferers face a significantly increased risk of heart disease and are more likely to die from a heart attack. A meta-study conducted by Dr. Annelieke Roest of the Tilburg University in the Netherlands, compiled data from 20 studies and 250,000 people followed over an average of 11 years.

The results were conclusive: those people within the study who had suffered from some form of anxiety or anxiety disorder had 26 percent increase in risk for developing heart disease and a 48% increased in risk of dying of a heart attack or other heart related complication – even after addressing other risk factors.

A follow up study conducted by Dr. Imre Janszky of the Karolinska Instutue in Stockholm followed 50,000 18-20 year old service men over a 37-year period further placed anxiety in the role of culprit. The study determined that even after controlling for high blood pressure and smoking, two of the major causes of heart problems, anxiety disorders continued to be more predictive of heart disease, more than doubling the risk of developing a blockage or dying from a heart attack.

The studies emphasize the importance of encouraging physicians to pay attention to the emotional symptoms their patients exhibit as much as their physical symptoms, especially since nearly a third of the population suffers from some kind of anxiety disorder during their lives.

Alleviating anxiety is crucial to improving heart health, according to the researchers, who suggest making lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medication to reduce anxiety levels. More research is needed, however, to determine whether or not reducing anxiety will have an impact on overall heart health. Regular aerobic exercise may also play an important role, since it both alleviates anxiety symptoms and contributes to heart health.

Shadra Bruce is a contributing writer for Mental Health News.